Virgin Australia launches inflight wi-fi

Virgin Australia will tomorrow launch inflight wi-fi on domestic and international services on one of its aircrafts ahead of a full rollout.

In partnership with inflight connectivity provider Gogo and satellite provider Optus, the airline will start a three month customer testing period on a single Boeing 737-800.

The trial will be used to gather feedback from customers, with full installation on Virgin Australia’s fleet of Boeing 737-800, Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft following the test.

Guests travelling on the wi-fi-enabled aircraft during the trial will be able to enjoy wi-fi for free.

They will also be able to access streaming services Netflix, Stan and Pandora on their devices while in the air.

Virgin Australia is also giving all guests who travel on the wi-fi-enabled aircraft three months’ access to Pandora Plus and Netflix, and those new to Stan will receive three months’ access.

Those due to travel on the wi-fi-enabled aircraft during the testing period will be notified onboard that wi-fi will be available on their flight and provided with instructions on how to access it.

“We are confident that by working with Gogo and Optus Satellite and using their proven technology we can deliver the best possible and most reliable connectivity and entertainment experience in the air,” Virgin Australia Airlines group executive John Thomas said.  

Gogo already provides inflight connectivity for a number of airlines including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France KLM, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Australia will finalise its business model after considering customer feedback and the results of the testing period.

Virgin Australia and Gogo will work with relevant regulators to obtain approval for its inflight wi-fi.

Fact File

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