Wi-Fi in the sky flies high

A survey from Honeywell Aerospace shows airline passengers demand better connectivity and higher speeds from in-flight Wi-Fi – so much so that they’re altering their flying behavior to ensure it. With 66% of passengers who use in-flight Wi-Fi making their flight selection based on in-flight Wi-Fi availability, airlines are taking notice. The ramifications for aerospace manufacturers and designers are obvious: a robust market for reliable, affordable, airborne Internet connectivity solutions, including retrofitting existing long-haul airliners and designing systems for new aircraft now on order.

“You can pack your own meals, but you can’t pack your own Wi-Fi,” says Jack Jacobs, vice president, marketing and product management, Honeywell Aerospace. “The commercial aviation industry has to pay attention to meet the demands of passengers, giving them the freedom to stay connected whenever and wherever they want. Honeywell’s survey affirms that consumers are accustomed to easy access to Wi-Fi, and they expect it to be fast and consistent like at home or work. Those expectations are expanding up into the sky.”

The results also indicate that fliers believe wireless connectivity should be a standard part of the in-flight experience, and it may even be viewed as a necessity.

Demand is so strong that 37% would be upset if they didn’t have Wi-Fi access on their next flight, slightly more than those (35%) who would be disappointed about not having food or drinks available for purchase.

Nearly one in four (22%) said they’ve paid more for a flight with Wi-Fi, and 17% have switched from their preferred airline because another carrier offered better connectivity.

Constant accessibility is key, according to the survey, but passengers also desire fast connections that enable them to stream videos, live chat with friends and family, and download files quickly.

Broadband users are willing to make some sacrifices to stay connected. Almost half the respondents report they would be willing to experience a travel-related inconvenience for Wi-Fi that’s as fast as it is at home. From this group, 45% would endure airport security twice.

More than one in three (34%) would show up three hours before boarding time for superior speed, and 29% would even swap their ticket to fly standby on a plane with Wi-Fi as fast as they have at home. Less of a surprise – 85% would use Wi-Fi on most or all flights if it was free.

Not all for business

Consistent connectivity can enable productivity, but mainly it gets used for entertainment. Last year’s survey revealed that 55% of respondents used in-flight connectivity for personal purposes, with only 22% using it mostly for professional reasons. This year’s survey shows 39% of users receive personal or general breaking news in-flight. Nine percent of respondents pretended they were in the office while on vacation, while 19% have used in-flight Wi-Fi to plan their next vacation.

The Honeywell Aerospace business unit develops and integrates technologies that include cabin electronics and connectivity. Kelton, a global insights firm, conducted the second annual Honeywell Aerospace Wi-Fi Survey in June 2014, surveying 1,045 Americans, age 18 and older, who have used in-flight Wi-Fi in the last 12 months, using an email invitation and an online survey.

Honeywell Aerospace
http://aerospace.honeywell.com