In-flight connectivity has become a standard feature on many international airlines, offering passengers the ability to stay connected while soaring above the clouds. However, South African passengers may have to wait a bit longer for this luxury to become a reality on domestic flights.
Challenges Ahead for Local Airlines
Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, confirmed that South African airlines will eventually offer Wi-Fi, though the timeline remains uncertain. “Yes, absolutely. We believe it’s something that’s ultimately bound to happen with newer technologies entering the market, but there are hurdles to overcome,” says Gordon.
He highlights challenges such as the high costs of technology, regulatory hurdles, and the question of whether Wi-Fi is practical for South Africa’s relatively short domestic flights.
Cost Concerns and Technological Hurdles
Equipping aircraft with Wi-Fi technology comes with a hefty price tag. “The cost depends on the service and the implementation method,” Gordon explains. “The equipment itself is expensive, and its installation can devalue the aircraft. Then there are usage costs to consider as well.”
Starlink, a global leader in in-flight connectivity, is often mentioned as a potential solution. While Gordon praises Starlink’s technology, he points out that the service is not yet available in South Africa. “There’s a global demand for the hardware, regulatory approvals to overcome, and safety certifications for aircraft fittings,” Gordon adds.
An anonymous aviation expert notes that many South African airlines operate older or leased planes, which complicates the financial feasibility of retrofitting them with Wi-Fi. “If you’re offering Wi-Fi, it only makes sense to make it available on all your flights, but many local carriers use leased aircraft whose owners may not agree to the modifications needed for Wi-Fi installation,” the expert explains.
The Question of Viability
The big question remains: Does offering Wi-Fi make sense on South Africa’s short domestic routes? While Gordon believes that Wi-Fi will eventually become a basic requirement, he notes that it must be affordable to be viable. “It’s hard to see the financial feasibility right now, but as technology evolves, things may change,” he says.
The anonymous expert agrees, suggesting that passenger demand for Wi-Fi on short flights may not justify the significant investment. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that passengers are happy to be offline for a short flight of one to two hours. Longer flights, especially those crossing time zones, are a different story.”
In conclusion, while in-flight Wi-Fi on South African airlines is inevitable, it may take time to work through the challenges of cost, technology, and practicality on short domestic routes.
