Inflight Wi-Fi ahead of other flight amenities in Asia Pacific

Around 67 percent of Asia Pacific passengers described in-flight Wi-Fi as crucial in improving passenger experience and driving loyalty in the region.

Inflight Wi-Fi has emerged to be a key driving factor in garnering some serious customer satisfaction and loyalty, being only second to airline reputation. According to the global mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat and market research company Populus, Wi-Fi connectivity on board has indeed increased the loyal flow of passengers in the Asia Pacific.

Around 67 percent of Asia Pacific passengers described in-flight Wi-Fi as crucial in improving passenger experience and driving loyalty in the region.

It's interesting to see how Inmarsat is transforming the global aviation industry by bringing in complete connectivity to every aircraft and flight path in the world. It stands alone in the league being the only provider with a complete High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) network spanning the world.

Ben Griffin, Inmarsat Aviation's vice president for the Middle East and Asia said that Wi-Fi being very essential to daily life on the ground, there is no reason why it shouldn't be on board as well so that the passengers' time on a flight is not restricted or spent any differently. He further added that whether it's for work, entertainment or even social media, passengers chose to access in-flight Wi-Fi in the Asia Pacific making it the region with the highest uptake.

The survey conducted by Inmarsat and Populus noted that Wi-Fi on board attracted passengers and increase their chances to rebook the flight in the future.

The survey also indicated that onboard Wi-Fi could lead to more productive business trips as almost 9 out of 10 business travelers would use it along with passengers traveling with children and young adults, thus increasing the chances of preferring to fly on the same airplane again.

The in-flight Wi-Fi option is in particularly viable with the nervous flyers who would like to stay connected with their friends and family members on the ground.

This is greatly increasing the trend of getting in-flight Wi-Fi services by various airline companies so as to maintain their customer loyalty and remain ahead of the game.

Inmarsat also revealed that passengers are now choosing the in-flight Wi-Fi option over flight meals thus making it a must need on board.

However, a demand for quality Wi-Fi is on the urge and it is significantly outstripping supply on airline fleets, as only half of the respondents from the Asia Pacific traveled on flights where it was offered.