Travel group TUI is rolling out Wi-Fi across a significant portion of its aircraft fleet. Passengers will be able to connect their smartphones to access services such as flight tracking on a map, and stream TV series, movies, and podcasts (the latter for a fee).
Future plans include enabling passengers to send WhatsApp messages via the onboard network, with various chat packages available. In the coming weeks, passengers will also be able to book excursions and activities at their destination while still in the air.
The satellite-based system has already been installed in 37 aircraft. TUI Airline, encompassing airlines in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the UK, plans to equip approximately 65 aircraft by this summer. Tuifly in Germany will have Wi-Fi on board 14 of its 23 aircraft.
The system utilizes the Iridium Certus satellite platform. According to TUI, the antenna required for the system is only nine centimeters in diameter, minimizing its impact on the aircraft's fuel consumption. The bandwidth is sufficient for basic internet services.
All new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from TUI Airline will receive Wi-Fi, with 44 already delivered and 50 more on order. Additionally, around 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft from the fleet will also be equipped with the system. TUI Airline currently operates approximately 110 short/medium-haul aircraft and nearly 20 long-haul aircraft.