SITA OnAir New Generation Application To Boost InFlight Wi-Fi

New App and beacons set to drive usage

APEX EXPO, Portland OR, 29 September 2015 – SITA OnAir is boosting inflight Wi-Fi usage by launching its new generation inflight Wi-Fi application, optimized for mobile phones, to streamline Wi-Fi access. In parallel, the leading e-Aircraft provider is also making it easier for airlines to encourage inflight Wi-Fi usage by exploiting beacons in both the airport and onboard the aircraft.

    “Wouldn’t it be easier if you could use your phone in the air just like you do on the ground? If you could swap messages, share pictures, listen to music and watch films of your choice, and keep tabs on emails as you cross continents? We are working hard to make sure every passenger can do that”, said Francois Rodriguez, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of SITA OnAir. “Two of the main friction points have been that the portals themselves have not been sufficiently user-friendly and that passengers simply haven’t realized Wi-Fi is available.”

New generation inflight Wi-Fi application, the new mobile-centric platform, makes it a much better experience for passengers. Since over 80% of passengers have a smartphone, the new portal is optimized specifically for use on mobiles. It can be fully customized for each airline and even integrated into the airline app.

Example of simple navigation to the inflight platform via the airline app

The clean, ergonomic design and logical flow make accessing the Internet very simple. For example, passengers can login through their social media accounts. It also enables contextualized passenger information that opens up e-commerce opportunities for both airlines and third-party advertisers.

    “When a passenger connects through the App, they arrive on a landing page with messages relevant to their journey, like flight and destination information. We help each airline tailor the right complimentary information to provide to suit their passengers’ requirements”, continued Rodriguez. “The options for a pay-for or a complimentary Wi-Fi session are clearly laid out, so it is very easy to decide which level of service is appropriate and then access that service.”

SITA OnAir’s simple, intuitive app fully integrated into the airline visual identity

SITA OnAir is also pioneering the use of beacon technology to drive usage. Beacons at the gate can be used to push messages through the airline’s app to passengers’ phones, informing them there is Wi-Fi on the plane. More beacons on the aircraft are used to remind passengers they can now start using the Wi-Fi.

“We are always looking for ways to use technological advances to make it simpler to stay in touch when you’re flying”, said Rodriguez. “Beacons are already beginning to be used by airports across the world, transforming the passenger experience by providing gate information, help with airport navigation and retail offers. We are now planning to use them to increase awareness of inflight Wi-Fi and, combined with our new portal, to make access even simpler to use.”