Icelandair offers gate-to-gate WiFi connection

15. Feb 2016

by BusinessClass

Common practice among most airlines is to only turn the onboard WiFi on once the aircraft has reached 10,000 feet, and to then turn it off before the aircraft starts its descent. Passengers flying with Icelandair, however, will no longer be required to wait until the aircraft reaches a certain altitude due to the airlines new gate-to-gate WiFi connection.

The innovation means the WiFi on Icelandair aircraft can be kept on at all times, while the use of electronic devices will also be allowed during takeoff and landing - a first for any airline. This enables passengers to use phones, laptops and other electronic devices to access the internet from the moment they board the plane at the gate to the moment they step off it. Icelandair’s WiFi is available from 6EUR, although business class passengers and gold member of the airline’s Saga Club can access it for free. Helgi Már Björgvinsson, SVP Sales and Marketing Icelandair, said: “This new service is a part of our strategy to offer our customers quality service, including WiFi on all our routes. It’s important for us to be in the forefront at adapting and providing passengers great entertainment and connectivity, and the solutions provided by GEE (Global Eagle Entertainment) make that possible”. Icelandair currently fly from 5 UK airports to Reykjavik, with the 6th UK gateway, Aberdeen, opening on the March 9.