Qantas commences inflight connectivity trial today

Qantas commenced its in-flight A380 connectivity trail this week, providing first and business class customers travelling between Australia and the U.S. internet and e-mail access whilst in the air.

The trial will start on board six Qantas A380s fitted with internet technology for flights between Sydney and Los Angeles and Melbourne and Los Angeles.

Qantas Executive Manager Customer Experience Alison Webster said passengers will be given the opportunity to access internet via their Wi-Fi enabled laptops, iPhones, iPads and BlackBerry’s on the carrier for the first time.

“The eight week trial will give customers the opportunity to access the Internet in exactly the same way as a terrestrial Wi-Fi hotspot in which customers can pay with their credit card and   surf the Internet, including the use of email,” Ms Webster said.

“Qantas is the first airline in the world to trial this service on direct flights between Australia and the US.

“Over the past week Qantas has conducted some preliminary testing and is pleased to now trial the service with customers flying between Australia and Los Angeles.”

Qantas will look into opportunities for the long term application of internet services across its A380 fleet.