In News:

• Tata Group’s Air India launched free Wi-Fi connectivity on select domestic and international flights.
• First Indian airline to offer Internet connectivity on domestic flights.
• The service is free for a limited introductory period on select domestic flights.
• Gradual expansion of Wi-Fi availability to more aircraft in the fleet.

Key Highlights:

Aircraft with Wi-Fi:

• Available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft.
• Aircraft equipped with special hardware for Internet connectivity.
• Some aircraft, previously operated by Vistara, now part of Air India after the merger in November.

Technology Partner:

• Vistara’s in-flight Wi-Fi was facilitated by Tata Group’s Nelco, in collaboration with Panasonic Avionics.
• This service is now extended to select Air India domestic flights.

How to Access Wi-Fi:

• Passengers enable Wi-Fi on their devices and connect to the "Air India Wi-Fi" network.
• Redirected to an Air India portal where they enter details (PNR and last name) for access.

Connectivity Technologies:

• Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology:
  • Uses ground-based cellular towers to provide internet.
  • Antenna on the aircraft’s belly picks up signals from nearby towers.
  • Limited by tower availability, works best over land with dense coverage.
• Satellite-Based Connectivity:
  • Uses satellites to provide internet by transmitting signals from ground stations to the aircraft.
  • Provides wider coverage, particularly effective over oceans and sparsely populated areas.

In-Flight Wi-Fi Operation:

• Multiple in-cabin antennas collect signals from passengers’ devices.
• Signals are sent to an onboard server.
• For satellite-based systems, signals are transmitted via an antenna to satellites and then relayed to ground stations.
• For ATG systems, signals are sent directly to ground towers.
• In-flight Wi-Fi is slower compared to ground-based internet, though newer technologies are improving speed.

Cost Considerations:

• Airlines incur high initial costs for equipping aircraft with Wi-Fi technology (antennas and hardware).
• Air India is investing in a $400 million retrofit program for its fleet, which could include installing internet connectivity.
• Some airlines install Wi-Fi on new planes, while others retro-fit older models.

Revenue Model:

• Airlines often charge for Wi-Fi after offering a small volume of free internet.
• Some airlines provide free Wi-Fi for loyalty program members or premium passengers (business/first class).
• Air India is offering free Wi-Fi for now, but plans to introduce charges at a later date.

Future Outlook:

• In-flight internet is expected to become a significant source of ancillary revenue.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for economy class passengers is unlikely in the near-to-medium term due to high costs involved in installation and operation.

Global Context:

• In-flight connectivity is becoming standard on major full-service carriers (FSCs) worldwide.
• Air India's move aligns with global trends, as it aims to be among the world’s leading airlines.