The 2020 digital vision: Avi Golan of Air New Zealand @ the CIO100 event in Auckland
Air New Zealand is working with Inmarsat's global GX satellite constellation and has partnered with Panasonic Avionics as the in-cabin technology supplier for this new service.
Avi Golan, Air New Zealand chief digital officer, says the airline has been working closely with its partners to prepare for the launch of inflight wifi, which will allow customers to access email, social media channels, web browsing and go shopping while travelling.
"We're launching inflight wifi as a trial initially in order to gather customer feedback and ensure it meets the needs of our customers before we roll it out across our international jet fleet," says Golan, in a statement.
"The service will be available progressively with the installation of Inflight Wi-Fi on our Boeing 777-300 fleet expected to be completed by June 2018 and our Boeing 777-200 fleet rolling out from April next year.
"The trial will not only test the technical aspects of the service, it will also gather feedback on pricing options. Going forward, customers will be able to choose to sign up for different timeframes and have the ability to pay in a variety of ways, including with Airpoints Dollars, as we look to offer a best in class connected inflight experience.
"Looking ahead, we're keen to actively explore new content opportunities and will also make Air New Zealand's friendly chatbot, Oscar, available to help assist passengers to resolve any travel related questions during their journey," says Golan.
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