The rapid development of wireless communication, mainly through wireless internet and cell phones over the past few years, has significantly changed the image of the corporate world. This image of the corporate world is rapidly changing into that of a mobile office.
Keeping the growing concern of staying connected to the world while travelling on long-haul overseas routes in consideration, United Airlines has introduced onboard satellite-based Wi-Fi internet connectivity on the first of its international Boeing aircraft, becoming the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer customers the ability to stay connected while travelling by air.
The Vice Chairman and the chief revenue officer at United Airlines shared the vision behind introducing this new service, “Satellite based Wi-Fi service facilitates United Airlines to better serve its customers and offer them more of what they expect from a global airline. With the introduction of this new service, we continue to build the airline that customers want to fly.”
The major reasons why United Airlines decided to offer Wi-Fi with Satellite-Equipped 747 in2013 include;
. To Enable Air Travellers to Stay Connected to the Outside World
For the business personnel on the road, the weapon of choice for tackling the job is a smartphone which may also serve as a walkie-talkie and web browser. For those constantly on the road such as estate agents, sales personnel reporters, the benefits of a mobile office are great. The same is true for critical workers including fire-fighters, doctors, engineers, who may be needed at a moment’s notice.United Airlines aircraft Boeing 747 is currently flying around the world with a constant connection, enabling passengers to stay connected to the outside world during any portion of the flight.
· To Offer Faster Connectivity than ATG to Its Passengers
The Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft of United Airlines-Boeing 747-400 serves trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes. It is equipped with Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s Ku-band satellitetechnology, offering customers high frequency and high speed internet (in-flight) service than ATG (air-to-ground technology).The Air to Ground technology makes use of land based towers to communicate with the flying aircraft. Ku-band wireless technology in contrast ensures connectivity via satellite and offers faster data speeds than some leading air to ground services such as Gogo.
· To Enable Air Passengers to Enjoy Easy Access to Unlimited Internet Services
This venture by the airline company permitted air travellers to stay connected with the help of high speed signals from satellite (geo stationary satellite) and special receivers fitted on the wide body aircraft. Customers will be able to use their wireless devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets onboard those aircraft to connect with internet service using the in-flight hotspot.· To Offer High Speed Internet Connectivity to Its Passengers
The installed Wi-Fi equipment intends to provide two tiers of internet service,· The Standard Internet Service ranging in price from $4 to $ 15 and,
· Accelerated Flavour Internet service-which is a high speed internet service, with pricing set between $6 and $20.
· To Offer a Secure Internet Connection to Its Passengers
With its latest Wi-Fi technology, the airline aims to offer a secure and safe internet connection to its passengers so that they are able to check their mails, carry out money transactions, with full security and privacy.Conclusion
In a nutshell, the provision of internet during air travel is another step towards making your life more comfortable and easier. Now passengers can stay in touch with the world even if they are traveling thousands of feet above the ground from one end of the world to another.In today’s fast paced world, modern communication systems have replaced the traditional ones. It has become a lot easier in recent times to stay connected employing the latest technology available. Boeing 747 is the first plane of the air company to be equipped with satellite based Wi-Fi technology. By the end of the year 2013, United Airlines aims to extend this satellite based internet service to 300 of its aircrafts including Airbus and Boeing jets.
