Q3 Review: Global Inflight Connectivity

Compared to the first half of 2016, the third quarter saw a slowing of airlines launching new connectivity service, however we are happy to report that airlines already offering inflight connectivity continued to expand their routes as well as types of services available onboard.

It was exciting for us to see the number of airlines which offered live sports in-flight so their passengers could enjoy the Rio Olympics.  The tweets posted while onboard were great!

New Launches: No new launches to report for Q3; so we’re still tracking the number of airlines around the world offering connectivity services at 64. We are, however, hoping for some new airlines to launch service in Q4 and will provide updates to our list as they happen.

New Routes:

• On July 13^th, United Airlines launched their San Francisco (SFO) to Hangzhou (HGH) route on one of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This 13 hour flight offers inflight Wi-Fi.
• Alitalia returned to China on July 18^th with the re-launch of their Rome (FCO) to Beijing (PEK) route. Passengers can use Wi-Fi connectivity for phone calls, internet, e-mail, and more.
• Singapore Airlines added Johannesburg and Düsseldorf to their A350 offering on June 27^th and July 21^st. Wi-Fi and mobile phone services are available on board.
• Cathay Pacific Airways became the only airline to offer non-stop flights between London Gatwick Airport and Hong Kong. The A350-900 offers live TV and Wi-Fi on board.
• On September 1^st, Aer Lingus launched their Dublin (DUB) to Newark (EWR) A330 route.

Other Updates:

• Three airlines expanded their inflight entertainment offerings by adding live television service.
  • AeroMexico re-launched live TV on their Boeing 787s. Channels include Sport 24 and CNN International.
  • Virgin Atlantic also added live TV on their 787s. Passengers can enjoy Sport 24, BBC News, and CNN International.
  • WestJet added Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra to their already existing live TV service.
• Thai Airways welcomed their first Airbus A350 XWB in Bangkok in late August. In Mid-October, the A350 will begin its international service flying BKK > MEL with Wi-Fi available onboard.
• Hockey fans were excited to learn that live TV channel Sport 24 added the World Cup of Hockey and NHL to their coverage.
• iPass customers will be happy to learn that they have partnered with United Airlines to allow you Wi-Fi access using your account. This is schedule to start in Q4 of this year and expand to United’s fleet of more the 700 aircraft.

As we start the last quarter of 2016 we’ll continue to track the exciting expansion of the availability for passengers to stay connected in-flight as they travel around the world. Be sure to check back frequently, we’ll keep you updated on all the news for global inflight connectivity!

Finally, thanks to our online community of supporters, early in Q3 we reached the milestone of 300,000 Facebook likes.  We couldn’t do it without you!

2015 In-Flight Connectivity Year in Review

Each year brings exciting developments to the world of in-flight connectivity and 2015 was no different. As part of our ongoing mission to keep you updated on the availability of in-flight Wi-Fi, mobile services, and live television, we thought you’d appreciate a recap of what happened in 2015.

Did you know that, as of the end of 2015, there are 60 airlines around the world which offer passengers some type of onboard connectivity? If you’d like to see a list of these airlines it’s available – and frequently updated – on our website.

Eleven new airlines began offering some type of in-flight connectivity (Wi-Fi, mobile services, or live television) to passengers in 2015.

China, in particular, saw huge growth for in-flight Wi-Fi during 2015. In Q2 China Eastern Airlines became the first Chinese carrier to receive approval to provide Wi-Fi on both international and domestic flights.  Their international service launched in mid-November. Keep a close eye on China as we expect to see a lot more growth during 2016!

There are a number of web sites which can help you in choosing a flight which will offer connectivity.  In March of 2015 we were delighted to see the announcement that Google would be integrating Routehappy’s amenity data into Google Flights search results.  In doing so, if you’re using Google Flights to plan your next trip you’ll be able to compare available amenities such as Wi-Fi and in-seat power.

If you’re a sports enthusiast then you were happy to see increases in both the number of airlines offering live sports as well as the types of events they’re broadcasting. Among the new entrants to airlines offering this service are Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Norwegian, and ANA. And what sporting events were passengers able to watch in flight? The variety of live sports available onboard included the Rugby World Cup, the NFL Super Bowl, FIFA Women’s World Cup, NBA, and the T20 Big Bash League.

Of course here at @Altitude we’re always looking for fun ways airlines and passengers are using their in-flight Wi-Fi. You’d be surprised by some the selfies people are tweeting! Here are a couple of our favorites from last year:

• In December, during the week before Christmas, Virgin Atlantic partnered with Microsoft to create “the world’s first connected gaming experience at 35,000ft” using in-flight Wi-Fi. Passengers on two flights used the Wi-Fi to participate in the #thankyoudeer experience, helping Santa Clause track down his missing reindeer in time for Christmas.

• It wasn’t a strictly in-flight connectivity event, but on September 17^th we saw lots of in-flight social media post by passengers onboard and Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to New York. Those lucky passengers – and tweeted about! – a live performance by the Irish rock band Kodaline.  It was fun to see passengers sharing the experience real-time from over the Atlantic!

And we can’t forget to thank our community on social media!  In 2015 we saw almost 100% growth on Facebook.  It’s great to know that so many people around the world are interested to learn about and use in-flight connectivity during their travels.

2015 was a great year for in-flight connectivity and we can wait to see what happens in 2016!

Enjoy the journey.

Want to share your experience using in-flight mobile services or Wi-Fi? Please add it below in the comments section.  And if you’re on a connected flight be sure visit us on Twitter or Facebook to share the experience with the @Altitude community.

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: July 16th – 20th

Looking for in-flight entertainment options? If you’re flying on an airline offering Sport 24, you can enjoy coverage of The Open, NRL, and Premier League Asia Trophy!  

The big moments head:

The Open

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Final Day

NRL

Canberra Raiders vs. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Newcastle Knights vs. Gold Coast Titans

Sydney Roosters vs. New Zealand Warriors  (more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: June 12th – 17th

Flying this week? Get your fill of the Euro 2016 Qualifier and National Rugby League Live and As Live on Sport 24. 

The Big Moments Ahead:

Euro 2016 Qualifier: 

Kazakhstan vs. Turkey

Croatia vs. Italy

Latvia vs. Holland

Wales vs. Belgium

Republic of Ireland vs. Scotland

Gibraltar vs. Germany

Slovenia vs. England

Belarus vs. Spain

National Rugby League – NRL: (more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: April 2 – 7

Two top 5 Premier League teams go head-to-head in this week’s line-up as Arsenal faces off against Liverpool. If you’re flying this weekend be sure to cheer on your team from 35,000ft with Sport 24. 

The Big Moments Ahead:

Premier League

Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa

Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland vs. Newcastle United

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City

Aston Villa vs. Queens Park Rangers

(more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: March 26 – 31

It’s a jam-packed sports line-up for passengers traveling this week on airlines offering Sport 24! Check out the big moments ahead: 

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

England vs. Lithuania

Spain vs. Ukraine

Holland vs. Turkey

Israel vs. Wales

Georgia vs. Germany

Portugal vs. Serbia

Israel vs. Belgium

Formula 1 Malaysia GP

Race (more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: March 19 – 25

Traveling on a Sport 24 connected aircraft this weekend? Sport 24 has LIVE coverage of the Premier League, ATP Tennis Masters 1000 Series, National Rugby League (NRL), and Bundesliga. Check out this weekend’s schedule of the big moments in sports:

Premier League

Manchester City vs. West Bromwich Albion

Newcastle United vs. Arsenal

West Ham United vs. Sunderland

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Hull City vs. Chelsea

ATP Tennis Masters 1000 Series

Quarter Finals (Indian Wells)

Semi Finals (Indian Wells)

Final (Indian Wells)

1st Round (Miami) (more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: March 5 – 8

Coming this week to airline passengers around the world, the National Rugby League! The NRL is Sport 24‘s newest LIVE event offering.

The NRL is Australia’s top-level professional domestic rugby league club competition. Matches are played in both Australia and New Zealand from March through to the Grand Final in October, which is traditionally one of Australia’s most popular sporting events.

The reigning champions South Sydney Rabbitohs will return to defend their title against the likes of other teams such as the Brisbane Broncos, Eastern Suburbs, Newcastle Knights, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys & Sydney Roosters.

A tournament that highlights exceptional rugby talent for fans around the world to enjoy – LIVE on Sport 24. (more…)

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: Feb 26 – March 4

Another fantastic week of sporting events ahead. From Euroleague Basketball, to Bundesliga and Premier League, airline passengers can enjoy non-stop action from takeoff to landing with Sport 24.

List of events passengers can enjoy:

Euroleague Basketball

Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv vs. Panathinaikos Athens

Real Madrid vs. Belgrade

CSKA Moscow vs. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul

Bundesliga 

FC Bayern Munich vs. FC Koln

Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Hamburger SV

Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Schalke 04

Borussia Monchengladbach vs. SC Paderborn 07

SV Werder Bremen vs. VfL Wolfsburg

Premier League 

West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace

Manchester United vs. Sunderland

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

Arsenal vs. Everton

Aston Villa vs. West Bromwich Albion

West Ham United vs. Chelsea

Check out Sport 24′s LIVE coverage schedule on the Sport 24 web site, or you can follow Sport 24 on Twitter for live updates.

Always in the moment

Sport 24 Coverage Schedule: Feb. 20 – 22nd

Sport 24 brings the best sporting events, from all over the world, right to passengers’ seat backs as they fly. No matter what time of day, you can rely on Sport 24 to bring you LIVE and AS LIVE sports coverage 24/7.

Bundesliga

VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund

SC Freiburg vs. FC Bayern Munich

Hamburger SV vs. Borussia Monchengladbach

Premier League 

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

Manchester City vs. Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspurs vs. West Ham United

Everton vs. Leicester  (more…)