Passengers travelling with Star Alliance member All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be able to surf for free above the clouds from next year as Japan’s largest airline rolls out free inflight Internet on domestic flights.
From April 1 2018, travellers will spot an ‘ANA WiFi Service’ logo at the aircraft entrance on Internet-equipped planes – signalling that there’s no need to hastily send that last email before take-off – with WiFi installation to be completed on 100 domestic ANA jets by March 31 2019.
That includes the airline’s Airbus A321, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 767, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 planes, although inflight Internet won’t be fitted to Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700, Airbus A320 and DHC8-Q400 (‘Dash 8’) aircraft.
The project will also provide travellers with complimentary access to ‘ANA Sky Live TV’ on WiFi-enabled flights, for viewing live sports and news onboard.
From late 2019, ANA’s domestic Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 jets will gain handy AC and USB power ports for keeping devices recharged as well, along with seatback inflight entertainment screens, on aircraft which don’t already have these features.
USB power ports will also be installed on Boeing 737 and Boeing 767 jets.
ANA already offers inflight Internet on its flights between Sydney and Tokyo, although fees apply, beginning at US$6.95 for 30 minutes through to US$21.95 for the entire flight.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
27 Jul 2017
Total posts 19
Be interesting to see the speeds on offer when on a domestic 777 with 500+ pax on board.
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