Steve Nichols/DUBAI
The availability of in-flight internet access could take a dramatic turn after Swissair's shock decision to remove satcom-based in-seat telephones from its narrow-body Airbus fleet.
The company blames reliability problems and lack of customer demand. The decision doesn't bode well for in-flight internet access which is likely to be both more complex to install and maintain, plus more expensive to use than conventional telephones.
Industry experts say that airline interest in internet access at the recent World Airline Entertainment Association was "spectacular", but they will have to be assured that the systems work before committing themselves.
The cost issues also need to be addressed as surfing the web for half an hour or so at 30,000ft could prove far more expensive to passengers than making a three-minute call to the office.
At least five companies are currently working on e-mail/internet Systems, but only one, Honeywell (E712), is at Dubai 2000.
Communications
Tenzing is working in conjunction with SITA to offer FlightConnect services on the latter's AIRCOM air-to-ground communications network. Tenzing's FlightConnect system will enable airline passengers to use their laptop computers and existing e-mail accounts to send and receive messages while in flight.
BT's Skyphone expects to offer a 64 kbits/s via Inmarsat in late 2000. These new services will give passengers and flight crew access to intranet and e-mail resources, and to corporate network services while in flight.
The airborne equipment for the BT service will share the existing Aero-H antenna and as many other components of the Aero-H system as possible. These aircraft are typically long-haul wide-bodied airliners and long-range business jets. Some 58 international airlines and more than 1,400 aircraft are already fitted with Inmarsat satellite communications equipment.
Despite the technical complexities, the news is that the fare-paying public wants to be able to access the net from the air - something that could prove the most popular IFE package of the early 21st century.
Source: Flight Daily News
