Qantas to Evaluate Onboard Passenger Communications Technology

Qantas will evaluate new passenger communications technologies over a three-month period on a B-767, flying domestically, to help it make a decision on what it will install on its fleet beginning in early 2007.

The Australian airline says it intends to introduce new onboard technology to enable its customers to send and receive emails, SMS (short message service) communications and calls via their own mobile phone or PDAs (personal electronic devices).

Lesley Grant, Qantas group general manager of customer product and services, said her airline's research indicated that customers were increasingly demanding the same range of services in the air as those available on the ground.

"We have asked our business travelers about the concept, the overwhelming majority felt the service was a good idea, particularly email access.  Most feel it will allow them to use their time more effectively in-flight, as a flight for many has become an integral part of their business day," Ms Grant said.

Ms Grant said Qantas will be actively seeking customer feedback to further refine the airline's policy, which would include input on the protocols concerning use of mobile phones in-flight.

Qantas has teamed with Telstra, Panasonic Avionics Corporation and AeroMobile in the evaluation, which is meant to allow appropriate communication devices to be used inflight safely without interfering with ground networks.

Qantas and its partners are working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and other agencies to ensure the system operates in accordance with Australian regulatory and legal requirements, Ms Grant said.  08-28-2006.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines