Air New Zealand Trials In-Flight Wi-Fi

Air New Zealand has installed in-flight Wi-Fi on one of its long-haul Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

The airline plans to roll out Wi-Fi capability across its international jet fleet, beginning with the 777-300 fleet. Further Wi-Fi enabled aircraft are expected to become available progressively over the next couple of months.

Air New Zealand is utilising Inmarsat's global GX satellite constellation and has partnered with Panasonic Avionics as the in-cabin technology supplier.

The in-flight Wi-Fi service gives passengers access to email, social media channels and web browsing.

"We're launching in-flight Wi-Fi as a trial initially in order to gather customer feedback and ensure it meets the needs of our customers before we roll it out across our international jet fleet," said Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Avi Golan. "The service will be available progressively with the installation of Inflight Wi-Fi on our Boeing 777-300 fleet expected to be completed by June 2018 and our Boeing 777-200 fleet rolling out from April next year. The trial will not only test the technical aspects of the service, it will also gather feedback on pricing options. Going forward, customers will be able to choose to sign up for different timeframes and have the ability to pay in a variety of ways, including with Airpoints Dollars, as we look to offer a best in class connected inflight experience. Looking ahead, we're keen to actively explore new content opportunities and will also make Air New Zealand's friendly chatbot, Oscar, available to help assist passengers to resolve any travel related questions during their journey."

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