ANA switches on free WiFi in business class

ANA is now serving up free WiFi for business class passengers on all international flights, with premium economy and economy passengers to follow in March 2025.

The Japanese airline already offers free Internet on domestic flights, and for some time has also made it available in the first class cabin on international routes.

From this week, business class travellers on international ANA flights are also enjoying complimentary WiFi, with cabin crew handing out vouchers containing a one-time access code for a ‘full flight’ plan normally priced at US$22.

Premium economy and economy passengers on international routes will enjoy free app-based messaging by March 2025, although ANA has indicated this may also allow for “sending and receiving of text messages” via email.

They’ll also have the option to purchase full Internet access at charged US$7 for a brief 30-minute session, US$17 for three hours online or US$22 for a ‘full flight plan’.

The Sky Live TV channels of CNN International, Sport 24 and NHK World Premium will continue to be free to all passengers.

A spokesperson for ANA tells Executive Traveller that while the airline previously intended to change the Internet provider for the handful of Boeing 777s still sporting its older first class and business class rather than the impressive The Suite and The Room, which could have delayed their joining the free WiFi rollout, “we decided to maintain the supplier so there are no changes.”

Tomoji Ishii, ANA’s Executive Vice President for Customer Experience Management and Planning, said the airline’s “ongoing efforts to expand inflight services is to provide our customers with an even more enjoyable and connected experience onboard.”

ANA’s international satellite-powered inflight Internet service is available about 10 minutes after departure and all the way to around 10 minutes prior to landing.

As previously reported, all Cathay Pacific flights will soon offer free WiFi to business class passengers, along with Cathay Diamond frequent flyers in premium economy and economy.

Qatar Airways will also unlock superfast WiFi for every passenger on selected long-range Boeing 777 jets, with most of the fleet following “over the next two years.”