Two of the largest A380 customers – Emirates and Qantas – are introducing Wi-Fi internet connectivity on their 21st century flagship jetliners using services provided by OnAir, the company owned by Airbus and information technology solutions provider SITA.

Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets will be able to connect while flying aboard the A380s by logging onto the OnAir network and following simple steps to access the Internet.

With Emirates, numerous A380 flights have been providing the service for several months as part of a proving phase that began after installation on the initial aircraft in 2010. Emirates is now introducing the Wi-Fi connectivity on 11 of its 19 A380s currently in operation, with all aircraft on order ultimately to offer this service across the entire fleet.

Qantas will commence OnAir in-flight connectivity trials on six of its A380s beginning next month for designated Sydney-Los Angeles and Melbourne-Los Angeles flights. The service initially will be available to customers travelling in the first and business cabins and are part of Qantas’ ongoing strategic evaluation of connectivity options.

Airbus press release