Garuda will Expands Wifi Service for Domestic Route

Handayani (dok)

JAKARTA (IndoTelko) - PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk (GIAA) is planning to expand the Inflight Connectivity service, Wifi Access, for domestic routes after it has been successfully on the international routes.

"We are planning to expand the inflight connectivity services for domestic routes. Result from a trial period shows the passengers response is relatively positive," said Garuda Indonesia's Commercial Director Handayani to IndoTelko.

WiFi service in Garuda aircraft for domestic routes is predicted to be available in 2016 as several fleets of wide body and narrow body aircrafts will arrive soon.

"We are waiting for the wide body aircraft in September and October, and the narrow body aircraft will arrive next year. We will prepare to install any technical devices for the Wifi service," said Handayani.

Handayani said that the Wifi rate for domestic service will be adjusted with flying hours. "If previously for the International flight we have provided 1 hour, 6 hours up to 24 hours wifi access subscription, then the domestic flight can be more flexible as the flight hours ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours only," Handayani said.

Garuda Inflight Connectivity service is available for Airbus 330 (A330) and B 777-300 ER fleet. Garuda took Telkom as a WiFi access provider on its fleet. While the technology provider for the Airbus fleet is OnAir and Panasonic for the B 777-300 ER fleet.

Garuda free WiFi service is provided for First Class passengers. Passengers in other flight class are charged hourly. The hourly Wifi rate is US $11.95 per hour, while for the one way trip would be charged US $21.95.

Garuda is reportedly to have prepared an investment of approximately US $17.5 million for onboard telecommunications technology devices provision. The appliance itself is estimated at US $250 thousand.(es)