Representative Photo
Kathmandu,Nepal: Air India has broken new ground in Indian aviation by introducing complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes, marking a significant shift in the country's air travel experience. The Tata-owned carrier's initiative comes as global airlines navigate the complex landscape of in-flight connectivity.
The service, already tested successfully on international routes to major destinations like New York and London, is now available on select aircraft including the new Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and specific A321neo planes. Many of these aircraft joined Air India's fleet through its recent merger with Vistara, bringing with them pre-installed connectivity infrastructure.
Behind the scenes, the technology relies on two distinct systems: ground-based towers for lower altitudes and satellite communications for higher elevations. The satellite system, which becomes active above 3,000 meters, provides broader coverage through specialized antennae mounted on aircraft, though at speeds slower than terrestrial connections.
This move sets Air India apart in the domestic market, especially considering the global context where most international carriers charge for Wi-Fi access or limit it to premium passengers. The airline's decision to offer the service free of charge is particularly noteworthy given the substantial infrastructure costs involved.
Meanwhile, the broader aviation industry continues to debate in-flight connectivity policies. While Europe has embraced 5G technology for in-flight calls and data usage, allocating specific frequencies to prevent interference, the United States maintains restrictions due to safety and security concerns voiced by pilots and flight attendants.
The Civil Aviation Authority maintains that mobile phone signals can interfere with critical aircraft systems, including navigation tools and collision avoidance technologies. This has led to the development of specialized "pico cells" in Europe to manage phone signals safely during flights.
Air India's initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing Indian air travel, potentially setting a new standard for domestic carriers while navigating the complex balance between passenger convenience and flight safety.
From Facebook