Archive note: This article was first published in 2013. Connectivity equipment, service providers, coverage, and capabilities have changed, so current details must be confirmed for the exact aircraft.
Wi-Fi is available on some charter aircraft, but “Wi-Fi equipped” does not describe service quality or guarantee connectivity throughout a route. Equipment can differ between individual airframes of the same model.
Questions to include in the request
- Is the exact proposed aircraft equipped with an active connectivity system?
- Which provider and coverage area apply to the planned route?
- Are messaging, video calls, streaming, or a virtual private network supported?
- Are data limits or connectivity charges included in the proposal?
- What happens if the proposed aircraft changes before departure?
The written proposal should identify any requested connectivity requirement and the terms supplied by the direct carrier. Satellite or air-to-ground service can be interrupted by geography, equipment condition, network capacity, weather, or other technical factors.
Turn your work plans into a connectivity brief
Tell the broker what you intend to do on the flight. Reading downloaded documents is a different requirement from uploading a large presentation or joining a live video meeting. Include the number of people who expect to be online at the same time, the applications they need and any company VPN requirement.
A useful brief might say: “Two passengers need email and document access; one hopes to join a video call. Please confirm the installed system, route coverage, applicable data charges and whether those applications are supported.” This states a request without treating a cabin equipment listing as a performance promise.
Gogo's current product information distinguishes multiple connectivity systems and applications. A provider's product page describes its offering; the direct carrier still needs to confirm what is installed and active on the particular aircraft proposed for your trip.
Separate required work from optional work
Identify which tasks can be completed offline and which depend on a live connection. Download the documents you can use offline before travel, and arrange an alternative time for any meeting that cannot tolerate an interruption. This is especially useful when comparing a preferred aircraft with another option whose connectivity details are still unconfirmed.
Before accepting, keep the written connectivity response with the aircraft proposal. If the aircraft changes, ask for the details to be checked again for the replacement. Also confirm power connections and any other cabin requirement separately from Wi-Fi.
Use the aircraft selection guide alongside the connectivity brief so cabin, passenger and baggage requirements stay part of the same decision.
Jet Partners acts as an air charter broker and can include Wi-Fi in the sourcing criteria. The properly licensed direct air carrier identified for an accepted trip operates the flight and retains operational control. Request an aircraft option with Wi-Fi, subject to written confirmation.
