Plugged in the sky

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: Indian flyers can fasten their seat belts to experience the next level of in-flight communication services. Early next year, they can work, play, surf, chat online or watch live TV on board a host of Indian airlines. And that’s not all. They will also be able to use their own mobile phones. Domestic carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara, as well as the state-owned carriers Air-India and Indian Airlines are gearing up to ensure that their passengers can stay truly connected, 35,000 feet up in the air. Their in-flight broadband service already popular with international carriers such as Lufthansa, Emirates, Air France, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, to name a few, will provide passengers with real-time, high-speed and secure Internet connectivity.

Domestic carriers say that majority of travelers — business as well as leisure — seek some mode of connectivity while in flight. No wonder, this time around at the Farnborough Air Show, they went scouting for upgrading their in-flight entertainment equipment with communication services being high on their wishlist. With new aircraft joining their fleet, business travelers with a wireless-enabled laptop can send and receive emails, connect real-time with their corporate virtual private networks to stay connected as if they are on the ground. Start your wireless-enabled laptop, let it detect the network, then use a log-in code provided by the airline crew and pay with your credit card or use a pre-established account or frequent flyer points. Once logged on to the airline portal, go wherever you like, including corporate intranets and TV channels at an average speed of 512kbps.

Communicating with your mobile phone is also not an unrealistic scenario. Early next year, Air France intends to undertake a six-month commercial trial using an Airbus A318 fitted with GSM equipment enabling the use of mobile phones and GPRS-enabled devices like the BlackBerry or Treo on board its transatlantic flights. Analysts say that it’s only a matter of time before Indian carriers start offering advanced communications — including mobile connectivity on board.

Jet Airways vice-president (marketing) Gaurang Shetty says, “With increasing competition, carriers are looking at ways to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge by offering a wide range of in-flight services. Introduction of real-time, high-speed Internet and data communications services is high on the agenda for our domestic and international routes.”