In-flight WiFi has become a game-changer for airlines worldwide, offering passengers seamless connectivity at 30,000 feet. While many global carriers now offer in-flight internet as a standard feature, South African domestic airlines remain behind the curve. Passengers hoping to stream, browse, or work online mid-flight will likely have to wait a little longer before South Africa’s airlines make WiFi a reality.
The Current Landscape
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, acknowledges that in-flight connectivity is the future of aviation but admits that South African airlines face significant hurdles. “We believe it’s something that’s ultimately bound to happen with newer technologies entering the market, but it’s hard to determine exactly how long it will take,” Gordon explains.
Unlike long-haul international flights, which often justify the investment in WiFi due to extended flight durations, South Africa’s domestic routes are relatively short. This raises the question of whether airlines should prioritize in-flight internet when passengers are only in the air for one to two hours at a time.
The Cost Factor
One of the biggest challenges is cost. Equipping aircraft with WiFi technology involves significant expenses, from hardware procurement to installation and maintenance. “The equipment is costly to procure and install,” Gordon notes. “Some of it can devalue the aircraft hull, leading to indirect costs, and then there’s the actual usage costs.”
Starlink, the satellite internet company founded by Elon Musk, has been cited as a potential solution. Its low-latency, high-speed connectivity could revolutionize in-flight WiFi. However, Starlink has yet to roll out its services to South African airlines due to regulatory approvals and high global demand for its technology.
Additionally, many local airlines operate on leased aircraft, and retrofitting them with WiFi can be a logistical challenge. Aircraft owners may be reluctant to allow modifications, which means airlines would need to bear additional costs or negotiate new lease agreements.
Passenger Demand and Viability
The biggest question remains: is in-flight WiFi a necessity for South African domestic flights? Unlike long-haul routes where connectivity can be a crucial service, short-haul passengers may not see it as a priority.
“Ultimately, WiFi will come, and it will be a basic requirement, but customers need to be prepared to pay for it,” says Gordon. “It needs to be affordable to be viable. Right now, it’s tough to see that happening, but as technology evolves, things may change.”
Aviation analysts suggest that demand for in-flight WiFi on domestic routes remains limited. “Anecdotal evidence suggests people are happy to be offline for an hour or two,” an industry expert explains. “It’s a different proposition for flights over three to four hours, where passengers may have work commitments or entertainment needs.”
While South African airlines continue to explore WiFi options, the rollout will likely depend on cost reductions, regulatory approvals, and evolving passenger expectations. Advances in satellite technology and reduced installation costs could make in-flight connectivity more accessible in the near future.
Until then, domestic airline passengers in South Africa will need to enjoy their brief digital detox while flying at least for now.
