China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines began to allow passengers to use portable electronic devices (PED), such as smartphones and tablets, but phones still have to be switched to airplane mode. Inflight wifi is available on 74 of China Eastern Airlines’ aircraft, covering all long-range international routes and 166 domestic routes. china inflight wifi

Hainan Airlines has enabled inflight wifi on 17 of its aircraft. Other Chinese airlines are also considering allowing mobile phone use. The permission comes after the Civil Aviation Administration of China asked that the ban be lifted earlier this week.

The Wi-Fi Onboard coupon is complimentary, it cannot be returned or exchanged for any form of cash or credit alternative. China Airlines reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

In an attempt to combat the spread of coronavirus, China Airlines and its affiliates, Tigerair Taiwan and Mandarin Airlines will no longer offer inflight services on flights to Hong Kong and Macau.

The decision to suspend food and beverage services along with the distribution of blankets, cushions, and newspapers to the former British and Portuguese colonies follows the cancelation of flights to the Chinese mainland. china inflight wifi

State of inflight Wi-Fi and airline industries in Asia:

1. Airlines’ Digital Adoption: Airlines in Asia, as with airlines globally, were increasingly adopting digital technologies and services like inflight Wi-Fi before 2021. This trend was expected to continue, driven by customers’ increasing demand for internet connectivity at all times.
2. Infrastructure Development: Many airlines were collaborating with telecommunication providers to enhance the inflight Wi-Fi experience. For instance, satellite technology for inflight connectivity was being explored and developed. Efforts were being made to provide continuous internet connectivity that’s as good as on-ground services.
3. Regulatory Environment: Different countries in Asia have different regulations concerning the use of inflight Wi-Fi. This could affect the extent and speed of its adoption. However, governments were generally working towards relaxing the rules, considering the increasing demand.
4. Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic hit the airline industry hard, and its impacts were still being felt in Asia in 2021. This could affect airlines’ investments in services like inflight Wi-Fi, at least in the short term. As the industry recovers, it’s likely that the demand for such services will pick up again.
5. Competitive Differentiator: As the airline industry becomes more competitive, airlines might invest more in inflight Wi-Fi to differentiate themselves from competitors and attract customers. This could be especially true for long-haul flights where connectivity is even more appreciated by passengers.
6. Pricing Models: Some airlines offer free basic Wi-Fi service and charge for higher-speed internet. Others include Wi-Fi in the ticket price or offer it as an optional add-on. The pricing model adopted can significantly affect the uptake of inflight Wi-Fi services.

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