AirAsia launches on-board Wi-Fi service

AirAsia commercially launched its on-board Wi-Fi service today, which is available on selected AirAsia flights. The service, known as roKKi Chats, allows guests to use instant messaging apps while on-board. Each roKKi Chats token will be priced at RM8 for a total of 3MB data usage on WeChat, WhatsApp & LINE.

AirAsia also earned an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records for being the ‘First Airline to Provide Wi-Fi On-Board’ in Malaysia. The certificate & award was presented by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi, Founder & Managing Director of Malaysia Book of Records to Aireen Omar, CEO of AirAsia Berhad during the launch, witnessed by YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Communication & Multimedia of Malaysia. As part of the launch, guests on board the Wi-Fi enabled flights will enjoy an introductory price of RM5 per token instead of RM8 for a limited time only.

Guests will be able to identify if their flight is Wi-Fi enabled through signs that will be placed on-board, as well as announcements made by the flight attendants. There will be a total of 90 tokens available on each flight, and guests can activate roKKi chats by keying in the purchased token ID. The tokens are sold on a first-come first-served basis on each flight, and is compatible on most tablets & smartphones. Each token is applicable for one device only.

AirAsia Berhad’s Chief Executive Officer, Aireen Omar commented “At AirAsia, innovation is key, not just in the products & services that we provide, but also in the experiences that we create for our guests. It is important to keep up with the needs of our guests, and maintain relevance with all of them. Wi-Fi connectivity is definitely ‘top-of-the-list’ for most travelers, especially while flying; and we are proud to be the first in Malaysia to offer this service at the most affordable rate. This will enable many to keep connected while flying, further contributing towards a better travelling experience for our guests; and we would also like to thank Malaysia Book of Records for recognizing AirAsia’s efforts to provide low-cost Wi-Fi on board our flights.”

AirAsia Group Head of Ancillary, Kenny Wong said, “We are always looking into ways to further boost our ancillary income, and providing Wi-Fi service on board, which is an essential factor for many travelers while flying will be part of the strategy. We will work hard to equip more aircraft with the Wi-Fi system in the coming months so that more guests are able to enjoy it. For the moment, we are introducing chat services which include WeChat, WhatsApp & LINE, and we will further introduce other services such as e-mail, and social media sites later next year.”

AirAsia’s on-board Wi-Fi system is powered by roKKi, developed by TuneBox. Powering roKKi’s connectivity service is SwiftBroadband, an L-band satellite service provided by Inmarsat. A leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, Inmarsat provides consistent coverage on routes across the world supported by a powerful ground network.

Sourced:http://malaysiatravelnews.com/