Would all Netflix junkies please chill! Yes, Qantas’ super-fast inflight wi-fi has a hit a bit of a snag but it is still on track to be rolled out this year.
Travellers may not be able to stream Jessica Jones or Orange is the New Black via Qantas’ next-generation inflight wi-fi this month as originally planned, but the airline has assured holidaymakers that its turbulence-minimising internet is still coming.
In a statement, the airline said that although recent tests of the new service have been “strong”, “some sustainability issues have emerged” and require further fixing before wi-fi can be made available to customers.
The airline continued, saying that it’s working with providers nbn and ViaSat to resolve these issues and is still hoping to get the system out on its domestic aircraft from mid-2017.
“We were preparing to open it up to media and customers this week as we continue our fine-tuning over the next few months, but some stability issues have emerged that we need to fix before customers can use it.”
Qantas statement
“We’re working with nbn and ViaSat to fix these issues very soon. We remain on-track for a broader roll out to the Qantas Domestic fleet from mid-2017.”
Qantas first revealed details its super-speed wi-fi in August last year when it confirmed the service would be free to guests and would be utilised for more than just improving the passenger inflight experience.
The carrier said it was exploring ways for its inflight internet to be used by pilots to stream real-time weather conditions and as a tool to connect cabin crew with on-the-ground doctors to reduce medical diversions.