Qantas To Offer In-Flight Internet, Laptop Amenities

SlinkySausage writes "Australian international airline Qantas has just announced in-flight broadband will be available across all classes in its new fleet of A380s. Also on offer will be laptop power in economy and internet access in the seat-back entertainment system. They are retrofitting existing 747s with elements of the technology, and providing several ports for passengers with more expensive tickets: 'The USB ports will be used for "viewing of content" on the in-flight entertainment system, though Qantas wouldn't be drawn on whether that would include Divx video capability, or the ability to connect an iPod. It would also allow recharging of USB-powered devices. The Ethernet port is for laptops that don't have wireless, or for people who simply prefer an Ethernet connection over WiFi, which could potentially become congested in an aircraft if in-flight internet usage becomes popular.'"

Comments

Re:Of course, it won't be free

[Achromatic1978]

Ryanair are the "biggest international airline" by a highly subjective, probably inaccurate measurement. They fly many domestic routes, which have been somehow counted. Far more likely is that they are number three or four at best, and Lufthansa is number one.

It's also a little tenuous to suggest that an airline founded in 1985 with a fleet of 136 aircraft having no lost aircraft is comparable to an airline founded in 1920 with a fleet of 230 is comparable, especially when, as you note, both Qantas and Ryanair are at zero losses in the jet age.

And on that jet age note, it's also rather important to point out that Qantas have ALSO had zero deaths since moving to into the jet age.

So let's not start holding Ryanair as superior just yet.