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Philippine Airlines answers demand for inflight Wi-Fi

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is equipping its long-haul fleet with Inmarsat’s award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband solution. Passengers on US, Canada and London flights will now enjoy speedier Wi-Fi through Inmarsat partner SITAONAIR’s inflight connectivity (IFC) service.

SITAONAIR has now activated GX Aviation’s high-speed broadband network, and its best-in-class IFC portal Internet ONAIR, onboard most of the PAL new-generation aircraft. SITAONAIR’s solution is empowering PAL to deliver the promises of the connected aircraft, with ‘at home’ connectivity services to satisfy passengers’ growing digital demands.

Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer, Jaime Bautista, said: “We are taking our inflight passenger experience to the next level with SITAONAIR’s connectivity services over the high-speed capabilities of GX Aviation. We have high hopes that our partnership will help us achieve our mission of enhancing the total passenger experience while achieving operational efficiency.”

Most improved airline

PAL, voted the Most Improved Airline in the World by airlineratings.com for 2019, now offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers. The improved myPAL Wi-Fi Hi-Speed product also allows passengers to stay connected longer with an affordable renewal plan.

The latest move by PAL comes at a time when demand for IFC continues to accelerate. Inmarsat’s 2018 Inflight Connectivity Survey found that 86% of Asia-Pacific fliers would use inflight Wi-Fi if available on their next flight, with 78% declaring themselves more likely to rebook with an airline if high-quality Wi-Fi was available.

Chris Rogerson, Inmarsat Aviation’s Asia Pacific Regional Director, said: “GX Aviation is helping airlines to differentiate their services from competitors by offering marketing-leading inflight broadband capabilities. We are delighted that it has now being enjoyed by Philippine Airlines passengers and congratulate our partner SITAONAIR on this important achievement in the Asia Pacific region.”

Faster installation times

New techniques have seen aircraft ground time for installation reduced by up to 70%. Previously, installing inflight connectivity services typically took about 15 days per aircraft to complete, but SITAONAIR achieved GX Aviation installation for Philippine Airways in just four days per aircraft.

Katrina Korzenowski, SITAONAIR Vice President, Asia Pacific, added: “With our customisable Internet ONAIR portal, Philippine Airlines will be equipped to provide its most enhanced, brand-defining, personalised passenger experience yet, from the forefront of the connected aircraft age.”