Last year Qantas announced they would be introducing WIFI onboard, the program is starting to gain more momentum and soon we’ll be able to get a taste of what’s to come. Qantas currently only have one aircraft with the wi-fi capability, it’s a 737-800 with the registration of VH-XZB.
Here are a few shots of what the dome looks like on the aircraft. Images courtesy of James Lusher Photography
VH-XZB With Wifi Dome (Image – James Lusher)
VH-XZB With Wifi Dome (Image – James Lusher)
Qantas will be running a trial that starts in February and ends in September for passengers to test how well the Internet is performing. The test will be free for all passengers.
Qantas partnered with ViaSat to provide the technology; this is the same company many U.S. airlines use and get very quick speeds.
NBN Co (Who Qantas will be using) own two satellites, Ku. They company has said that Qantas passengers will be able to get 12mb on each device, that’s pretty great for in-flight internet.
After hearing this, I’m definitely going to be trying to take a flight on VH-XZB and trial the internet. Right now I think this is the most we’ll see until at least 2018 when the whole 737 and A330 fleet is complete, but who know’s.
If you’re not similar to how In-flight wi-fi works, I recommend you watch this video:
Sources – The Age Image credit to James Lusher Photography
