New Delhi: Jet Airways may soon offer internet on its aircraft. As of now, no Indian carrier — including Air India and Jet which operate long haul international routes also — give flyers the option of Wi-Fi enabled aircraft.
Jet is "examining the options and cost involved" in having Wi-Fi on its planes, said a senior official. "Installing Wi-Fi on planes was an expensive proposition till recently. With technology now getting less expensive and more service providers available, the costs have come down. We are considering some options available to us," said a source.
The airline said it will not be able to give any more details as of now like by when will they be able to offer internet to passengers; whether it will be on long international flights or even domestic ones; how much will the proposed installation cost and whether it will be paid or free service for its guests. Most international airlines offer a few minutes of free Wi-Fi to flyers and then have charges for continued usage.
Among Indian carriers, Air India had about two years ago toyed with the idea of offering internet on its planes. It had met officials of Geneva-based OnAir, which provides both internet and mobile connectivity to almost 30 top airlines globally like British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Thai.
AI was then told that India had rules which require a local server for airlines wishing to provide internet on board and due to this, several international carriers that have Wi-Fi enabled planes also have to switch off the service over Indian airspace. The Maharaja had sought clarity on the rules but has now given up. "This is simply too expensive for us," said a senior AI official.
17/08/16 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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Jet is "examining the options and cost involved" in having Wi-Fi on its planes, said a senior official. "Installing Wi-Fi on planes was an expensive proposition till recently. With technology now getting less expensive and more service providers available, the costs have come down. We are considering some options available to us," said a source.
The airline said it will not be able to give any more details as of now like by when will they be able to offer internet to passengers; whether it will be on long international flights or even domestic ones; how much will the proposed installation cost and whether it will be paid or free service for its guests. Most international airlines offer a few minutes of free Wi-Fi to flyers and then have charges for continued usage.
Among Indian carriers, Air India had about two years ago toyed with the idea of offering internet on its planes. It had met officials of Geneva-based OnAir, which provides both internet and mobile connectivity to almost 30 top airlines globally like British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Thai.
AI was then told that India had rules which require a local server for airlines wishing to provide internet on board and due to this, several international carriers that have Wi-Fi enabled planes also have to switch off the service over Indian airspace. The Maharaja had sought clarity on the rules but has now given up. "This is simply too expensive for us," said a senior AI official.
17/08/16 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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