Soon, passengers can access WiFi services aboard domestic flights
NEWDELHI:Indian airlines have finally been given a go-ahead to provide in-flight WiFi services to passengers after an official notification from the central government.
“The Pilot-in-Command may permit the access of Internet services by passengers on board an aircraft in flight, through Wi-Fi on board, when laptop, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, e-reader or a point of sale device is used in flight mode or airplane mode,” the official notification from the aviation ministry stated.
“Provided that the Director-General shall certify the aircraft for usage of internet service in flight through Wi-Fi on board subject to the procedures as specified in this behalf,” it added.
Currently, this service is available only for defence personnel. However, all devices using in-flight WiFi will have to be on airplane mode.
Vistara’s CEO Leslie Thng mentioned on Friday that their new Boeing 787-9 aircraft would be the first plane in India to provide this service. Vistara currently has an option where passengers can watch content from Vistara’s in-flight channel. The airline provides limited WiFi connectivity on board that can be used to stream content from the channel on your smartphones, iPads etc.
The notification from the Aviation Ministry does not mention when this will come into affect. According to an IANS report, in 2018, the Department of Telecommunications recommended permission for both internet and mobile communications in the Indian airspace. Once provided, this facility is likely to help airlines collect more revenue and also help the telcos to earn as well.
VISTARA CEO SAID ON FRIDAY THAT THEIR NEW BOEING 787-9 AIRCRAFT WOULD BE THE FIRST PLANE IN INDIA TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE