Qantas has introduced free Wi-Fi on select international flights to Asia, marking a significant step in its efforts to enhance passenger experience. The service is currently available on flights to destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
This move reflects the Australian carrier’s ongoing drive to compete with leading global airlines that have long provided free internet connectivity on their international flights.
According to SkyNews, the introduction of free Wi-Fi is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to stay competitive in the aviation sector, ensuring its passengers have access to the same in-flight amenities as those offered by rival carriers.
Qantas’ Effort to Catch Up With Competitors
Since 2017, Qantas has offered free Wi-Fi on domestic flights, but it faced challenges in expanding this service to international routes. The airline had originally planned to launch the free Wi-Fi service by the end of 2024.
However, technical issues with its service provider, Viasat, delayed the launch.
We had to push back our planned launch of free Wi-Fi due to technical problems – said a Qantas representative.
Now, travellers on certain A330-220 planes flying to Asia can enjoy free internet access during their flights.
Challenges in Implementing International Wi-Fi Services
Qantas’ efforts to extend free Wi-Fi internationally have been complicated by various technical and logistical obstacles. Although the service was initially set to launch by the end of 2024, delays occurred, pushing the timeline further back.
The service is currently available on select routes to Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, aboard A330-220 planes. Qantas plans to expand this offering to flights to New Zealand by mid-2025. However, the timeline for extending Wi-Fi to other international destinations remains uncertain.
In the past, some international flights offered free Wi-Fi, but only while flying over Australia. Now, Qantas aims to expand this coverage to more international routes.
Comparing Qantas to Its Competitors
Qantas is now playing catch-up with several major airlines that have been offering free Wi-Fi on international flights for years.
Japan Airlines, for example, has been offering free Wi-Fi for economy passengers on international flights since October 2024, allowing up to one hour of free connectivity.
Singapore Airlines provides unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer and PPS Club members, while Qatar Airways offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers via Starlink.
Air New Zealand provides free Wi-Fi on all its flights between Australia and New Zealand, while Emirates has offered “some form of free connectivity” to all members since May 2023.
Cathay Pacific plans to offer free Wi-Fi to first and business class passengers, as well as Cathay Diamond members, starting in August. Malaysia Airlines also offers free Wi-Fi for all passengers on select international flights.
What Lies Ahead for Qantas
In the coming months, Qantas plans to upgrade its Boeing 737 fleet, which will include new cabins and free Wi-Fi.
As we bring more new aircraft into our fleet, we are also making our existing aircraft look and feel like new – said Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson in February.
Previous cabin upgrade programs have delivered great outcomes for our customers and allowed us to bring next-generation designs and technologies to our current fleet that reflect how our customers want to travel.
Despite the current delays in expanding international Wi-Fi offerings, the airline remains committed to enhancing its passengers’ in-flight experience. However, whether Qantas can fully match the connectivity services of its competitors across all international routes remains to be seen.
Qantas’ move to provide free Wi-Fi on select international flights represents a significant step toward improving its customer service and competing with global rivals. However, the road to global Wi-Fi coverage for all international passengers is still a work in progress.
