Emirates Airlines now offers free inflight wifi connectivity for all passengers on board its scheduled flights. This is great news for those who rely heavily on being connected to keep up with what is happening around us and in our lives. With cell phones and digital devices being essential “appendages” for many people, the problem arises when one has a functional device but no wifi connectivity. However, one requirement must be met to qualify for the free inflight internet connectivity: passengers must be members of the airline’s loyalty programme, Skywards.

RISING WIFI USAGE 

Emirates reports that almost 10% of its passengers take advantage of the complimentary onboard wifi, with an average of 450,000 free wifi users per month – 30% more than last year. “In March, we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared with early 2022, despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period,” says Patrick Brannelly, Senior Vice President of Retail, In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity at Emirates.

WIFI FOR MEMBERS

All Skywards members (whether Blue, Silver, Gold or Platinum), whether travelling in economy, premium economy, business or first class, may connect inflight. These passengers will be able to make use of free app messaging on WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line and Viber. Economy-class passengers will be able to send text messages while onboard – as long as they have signed up as Skywards members. Passengers can even sign up while onboard flights.

First-class passengers have unlimited free Internet if they are Skywards members, as do Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members travelling in business class. Platinum Skywards members have complimentary Internet access in all classes.

RAMPING UP WIFI

Emirates said it would offer new high-speed inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation on 50 of its new Airbus A350 aircraft, which are set to enter service next year. “We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped,” Brannelly said. Emirates Airlines has invested over $300 million (R5.78 billion) in onboard connectivity.

By Shamiso Miracle

Shamiso Miracle completed her degree in journalism and media studies at the University of Zimbabwe before honing her skills at Savanna News. She then went on to work at iHarare News, becoming a voice for everyday SA citizens who wanted to share their stories. When she's not writing news that entertains and inspires ,Shamiso is an avid reader and a wellness bunny.

8 thought on “Free inflight wifi now available for all passengers on Emirates Airlines’ scheduled flights”
  1. As I site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

  2. I am now not certain where you are getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or working out more. Thanks for excellent info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

  3. Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *