Qantas passengers will have to wait a little longer for free WiFi on international flights, as the airline pushes back its planned end-of-year debut to late January 2025. The delay stems from technical issues with satellite provider Viasat, despite steady progress in outfitting the Qantas fleet with the necessary hardware.
The airline has begun equipping its Airbus A330-200 jets, primarily serving Asia, with Viasat’s high-speed satellite connectivity. Once activated, this technology will deliver a seamless and fast internet experience, comparable to what passengers enjoy on Qantas’ domestic routes.
What to Expect
The enhanced service will extend across the A330-200 fleet first, followed by Qantas’ Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A380s, and A330-300s starting in early 2025. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to bring consistent, fast internet to long-haul flights.
Qantas’ upcoming ultra-long-range Airbus A350 aircraft, slated for routes from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by mid-2026, will arrive pre-fitted with WiFi.
Competitive Landscape
While Qantas aims to match its domestic WiFi experience internationally, other airlines, such as Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand, already offer free WiFi across their fleets.
Passengers flying international routes on WiFi-equipped Airbus A330-200 or Boeing 737-800 aircraft can currently enjoy internet access while within Australian airspace. However, the service disconnects once flights leave the country’s coverage area.
The Future of Qantas WiFi
Qantas’ international connectivity will rely on Viasat’s global ViaSat-3 satellite constellation. This system promises ultra-high-capacity coverage, enhancing connection reliability and speed for passengers worldwide.
As Qantas moves forward with these upgrades, travelers can look forward to a more connected and enjoyable experience on international flights starting next year.
