As Qantas rolls out its free and fast Wi-Fi service across the existing international fleet this year, it delivers one of Australian business travellers’ most-wanted inflight services.
After equipping its domestic fleet with fast, free Wi-Fi, Qantas is progressively outfitting international aircraft with Viasat antennas, starting with Airbus A330s used for its Asian destinations at the end of last year.
Installation on Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s and A330-200s are next in line. The airline’s new B787s and A350s will arrive Qantas International Wi-Fi ready.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said that the availability of fast, free Qantas International Wi-Fi directly answers the top request of business travellers.
A recent Corporate Traveller survey found inflight Wi-Fi was the most in-demand service airlines could offer with 35 per cent of its Travel Manager team identifying it as the most significant upgrade needed for business travellers in 2025 and beyond.
“Reliable and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi has consistently been at the top of our clients’ wish lists,” he said.
“The data from our experts tells us that connectivity is key and it’s a must-have for corporate travellers needing to make the most of idle time in the air.
“Seamless connectivity – whether it be for business or to kick back with a movie – is a must, so it’s of little surprise that when we asked about an inflight digital detox with no Wi-Fi or screens, 61 per cent of our experts gave a resounding ‘no’.
“As we see airlines improve their offering in this space, it means travellers can effectively stay connected, manage their workload and maximise productivity during flights,” Walley said.
In 2024, Qantas reported an average of more than 90 per cent uptake of free Wi-Fi on each domestic flight on its newest A220 aircraft with some flights hitting above 100 per cent as flyers use multiple devices.
