Passengers prefer airlines that offer internet connection
Global air travelers prefer airlines that offer in-flight Internet connectivity and even adjust their travel plans and choice of airline to be on Internet-connected flights, according to a survey released by Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company.
The Connexion by Boeing service, which launched commercially in May 2004, is currently offered on more than 180 routes daily worldwide and is the only in-flight, high-speed Internet, data and entertainment service available today. In an effort to track service trends, Connexion by Boeing teamed with Burke Research to conduct a global biannual study on customer satisfaction and loyalty.
We value input from our customers and use this feedback to ensure we continually improve and evolve the Connexion by Boeing service, said
Laurette Koellner, president of Connexion by Boeing.
The recent research findings confirm that we`re on target to provide passengers with the best in-flight connectivity experience possible, and to provide airlines with new ways to differentiate their brand and retain and attract new customers.
The most recent study, which focuses on the second half of 2005 and includes responses from nearly 3,200 participants* worldwide, shows that in-flight Internet is changing traveler behavior:
- 83 percent of those surveyed said that the availability of the Connexion by Boeing service will have an impact on future travel plans and their choice of airline carrier
- 94 percent said they plan to use the service again on a future flight
- 92 percent said they would recommend the service to others
- 84 percent said the service is of good or fair value relative to the price they paid
- 78 percent said that the service`s speed met or exceeded their expectations
- When asked to name the key benefits of the Connexion by Boeing service, respondents called out the ability to be productive (44 percent), stay in touch (25 percent) and access e-mail (22 percent)
- 93 percent reported they were satisfied with the Connexion by Boeing service overall
These results underscore Connexion by Boeing`s ongoing commitment to provide customers with new opportunities and ways to use the service, such as the recent launch of four channels of live global television service and new, simplified pricing options, which offer users more flexibility.
The survey also asked respondents about the kinds of activities done while connected with the Connexion by Boeing service:
- 90 percent of respondents said they accessed their work e-mail, most of whom using a virtual private (corporate) network
- 76 percent accessed their personal e-mail
- 69 percent said they browsed the Internet
- 41 percent engaged their friends and family via instant messaging or live chat applications
One recent example of a new way to use in-flight Internet was the first transcontinental flight where mobile video gamers held real-time, competitive matches in the air using the Connexion by Boeing network.
Connexion by Boeing delivers a valuable choice to airline passengers, Koellner said.
Travelers who have used the service appreciate the flexibility it provides for staying connected to what matters most or being entertained, even at 35,000 feet.
Vicky Karantzavelou
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Thursday, April 06, 2006