Partnership Announcement by Airtel
Bharti Airtel has forged a partnership with global in-flight connectivity operator Aero Mobile to extend mobile services on board 19 airlines, including Etihad Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.
Service Offerings and Competition
Airtel now provides voice, SMS, and data connectivity at competitive rates, following the footsteps of Reliance Jio, which introduced a similar service through Aero Mobile in 2020.
While the data allowances of three combo packs range from 250 MB to 1GB, users have the option to purchase additional data during the flight.
Airtel has also taken a step forward by allowing customers subscribed to roaming packs priced at Rs. 2997 for prepaid and Rs. 3999 for postpaid and above to access in-flight roaming at no extra charge.
Market Insights and Potential Collaborations
Telecom experts believe that affordable pricing will be a significant driver for subscriptions on long-haul international routes. However, they suggest that mass adoption would be truly revolutionary if Aero Mobile partners with Indian airlines such as Indigo and Vistara for domestic routes.
Technical Aspect
In-flight connectivity is established through satellite exchange with the ground station. When a mobile device exits ‘Airplane Mode,’ its signal is relayed from the aircraft antenna to the ground network via satellite, utilizing the SIM card’s unique number to establish a connection.
Coverage Assurance
Both Airtel and Jio currently offer three pack options at the same price points: Rs 195, Rs 295, and Rs 595. This partnership ensures seamless connectivity on select routes. For example, a user traveling from Delhi to New York with a layover in London will enjoy coverage from Delhi to the final destination, New York.
Multiple Support Channels
Moreover, Airtel offers various avenues for passengers to contact the company’s support team during flights. Users can communicate through its designated WhatsApp number via calls or text messages. Queries and complaints are promptly handled by its 24/7 contact center.
Convenient App Access
For monitoring data usage, purchasing additional minutes, or accessing real-time billing information, users can conveniently log in to the Airtel Thanks app.
From the Director of Customer Experience and Marketing at Bharti Airtel
Amit Tripathi, Director of Customer Experience and Marketing at Bharti Airtel, expressed, “Airtel has consistently led the way in delivering uninterrupted mobile connectivity to customers nationwide. We are excited to extend this service to the skies with our in-flight roaming packs, enabling customers to enjoy high-speed internet and seamless voice calling, ensuring they stay connected with their loved ones while airborne.”
