Qantas delays international inflight WiFi rollout until next year

Currently, passengers traveling on WiFi-enabled Airbus A330-200D or Boeing 737-800 aircraft can access internet services while flying over Australia to destinations like Bali, Singapore, and Manila. However, connectivity ceases once these aircraft leave Australian airspace.

The majority of Qantas' domestic fleet benefits from the NBN Sky Muster satellite network offering speeds between 10-15Mbps. Aircraft including the Airbus A330-200D, Boeing 737-800, and Airbus A220-300 are equipped for internet access.

The partnership with Viasat aims to provide consistent inflight Internet across both domestic and international routes. The first international aircraft fitted with Viasat's antenna was an A330-200LR registered as VH-EBN. According to Qantas: "We’ve been waiting until global satellite technology could deliver a similar quality connection to the one that Qantas domestic customers enjoy, even in areas of the world where it was previously impossible."

Future plans include retrofitting Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A330-300s, and Airbus A380 Superjumbos starting early 2025. For instance, installing WiFi on an A380 involves significant modifications such as adding a radome and antenna. The more recently acquired Boeing 787s were pre-provisioned for easier installation.

Newly arriving Boeing 787s and ultra-long-range Airbus A350s will be delivered WiFi-ready. This is crucial for Qantas’ Project Sunrise program connecting Sydney directly to New York and London on flights exceeding 20 hours using the A350-1000ULR model.

A spokesperson confirmed: "Our exciting new aircraft arrivals, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, will also come equipped with Wi-Fi upon delivery."