Singapore Airlines has made a significant move by offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to all passengers starting from July 1. Unlike the traditional practice of charging exorbitant fees or limiting data usage, the airline aims to provide a seamless browsing and surfing experience without additional costs.
In the past, accessing the internet during flights has been a cumbersome and expensive affair, often dissuading passengers from opting for such services. However, Singapore Airlines recognizes the dissatisfaction among travelers regarding this issue.
Despite a decrease in online time compared to the Covid lockdown period, where people were confined to their homes, We Are Social, a UK-based company tracking web and social media usage, reported that the world’s 5 billion regular internet users spent over six hours per day online in 2022. Concurrently, air travel is steadily recovering, with global passenger traffic in April 2023 reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a return to the 2019 figure of 4.5 billion passengers.
Recognizing this convergence of factors, airlines like Singapore Airlines are leveraging free in-flight Wi-Fi as a competitive advantage to attract passengers. Yeoh Phee Teik, the airline’s senior vice president of customer experience, acknowledges the growing importance of high-speed internet connectivity in today’s hyper-connected world. By offering this service, the airline aims to meet the expectations and demands of its customers.
To access the Wi-Fi service, passengers must sign up for Singapore Airlines’ free loyalty program, mirroring the approach of other carriers such as Qatar Airways and Delta Air Lines, which also offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to their passengers. Singapore Airlines intends to make this service available on 129 out of its 136 aircraft, except seven Boeing 737-800 NGs that do not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
The airline’s decision to provide free Wi-Fi aligns with the changing landscape of connectivity and the evolving needs of passengers. Singapore Airlines is setting itself apart from competitors by offering complimentary Wi-Fi and establishing itself as a customer-centric airline.