Singapore Airlines Introduces Unlimited Data Roaming In-Flight, for a Fee

In conjunction with Singapores’ mobile provider M1 Limited and SITA’s Mobile OnAir, Singapore Airlines will introduce unlimited in-flight mobile data roaming on its flights.

M1’s customers will have inflight data roaming charges capped at $17.50 per day (S$25).

“With this new in-flight data roaming service, travellers can stay in touch with their loved ones, answer important e-mail or simply get the latest social media updates,” said Mr P. Subramaniam, Chief Marketing Officer, M1.

SITA’s Mobile OnAir service offers global coverage which passengers can use to call, text or for mobile data applications in-flight.

On average, 37% of the airline’s customers connect to the onboard mobile network. A total of 19 million passengers took advantage of the service in 2015 and 65% of passengers who connected to SITAOnAir’s mobile network, used the service for data applications.

“We want to make it very simple and offer transparent prices for passengers to use their phones during flights,” said François Rodriguez, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of SITA OnAir. “Our partnerships with mobile phone operators across the world allow us to provide airlines and their passengers with the very best deals. The resulting lower prices and clear costs encourage people to use the service.”

The aviation technology company has found that 83% of passengers are likely to fly with smartphones, and that 60% of those who do will want to use their smartphones to text and/or check email.

Singapore Airlines was among the first airlines in the world offering in-flight connectivity options, introducing SITA OnAir service in 2012. Connectivity is now available throughout the airline’s B777-300ER and A380 long-haul fleet.

Singapore Airlines has also selected SITA OnAir to install high-speed broadband onboard Wi-Fi on its long-range fleet using Inmarsat’s GX Aviation satellite network.