Enjoy Online Content from Netflix, Foxtel and Spotify on Qantas - WiFi Enabled Domestic Flights

Customers traveling on WiFi enabled domestic flights on-board Qantas will soon be able to enjoy their favourite shows, live sports and listen to a playlist of their choice with Netflix, Foxtel and Spotify respectively in 2017. Offering speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional in-flight WiFi, Qantas will offer passengers video and audio streaming from late February this year. 

Photo Credit: Qantas

Harnessing the nbn™ Sky Muster™ satellite service, the faster connection speeds on-board these flights represent an upgrade over older satellite technology that is offered by most airlines around the world. This service employs an idle data capacity, with the signal reaching the aircraft as it flies through the satellite’s 101 spot beams across Australia. This fast, free internet will open up a huge range of in-flight options for customers.

While Foxtel, Netflix and Spotify are all paid subscription services, they will offer free access to Qantas customers on and off the aircraft for between three days and one month after their Qantas flight. Specifically:

• Foxtel will offer three days free access to its Foxtel app every time a customer flies, allowing customers to stream live sports, news and TV shows as well as its full range of on-demand content. No sign-up to a subscription is required.

• Netflix will offer new customers access to the entire Netflix service as part of a 30-day free trial. Existing Netflix members only need to log in to continue watching at no extra charge.

• Spotify will offer a 30 day free trial of its Premium music service, which has no ads, shuffle play and unlimited skips. You can also buy Spotify plays.

Customers will log on to the Qantas in-flight Wi-Fi via their own devices, and will be greeted by a landing page with a range of options (see attached images). As well as links to access Netflix, Spotify and Foxtel, this page will feature real-time flight data; hotel, restaurant and transport options at your destination; the latest weather; and personalised information linked to your itinerary and Frequent Flyer account. Streaming of Sky News Australia will also be available.Qantas is in discussion with a range of content partners on ways to improve the on board experience using Wi-Fi. In November 2016, Qantas installed ViaSat satellite-receiving equipment on its first 737 to be Wi-Fi enabled. Hardware and software testing is underway on this aircraft, ahead of the service being switched on for customers soon.