Qatar Airways

Qantas Issues Warning of Impending Airfare Hikes Amidst Rising Fuel Costs and Global Uncertainty

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

Qantas Issues Warning of Impending Airfare Hikes Amidst Rising Fuel Costs and Global Uncertainty. Qantas Airlines, one of Australia’s leading carriers, has given travelers a heads-up about potential increases in airfare prices. The airline has confirmed a forthcoming 3.5% price hike for seats on Qantas flights and a 3% increase for Jetstar flights, attributing these adjustments to escalating fuel expenses.

Fuel Price Pressures Prompt Qantas to Raise Fares

In a surprising move, Qantas has chosen to pass on the burden of rising fuel costs to its passengers. The airline had previously absorbed some of these cost hikes, but current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and various economic factors, such as a weaker Australian dollar, have led to expectations of prolonged elevated fuel prices.

Keith Tonkin, an expert from Aviation Projects, acknowledged that while the decision may have caught some by surprise, it appears to be a reasonable response given the circumstances. “Fuel prices continue to climb, and global uncertainties persist,” Tonkin remarked.

Mixed Reactions Among Travelers

The announcement of airfare increases comes during a turbulent period for the airline industry. While Qantas is being transparent about these impending changes, Flight Centre’s CEO, Graham Turner, believes the timing could have a negative public relations impact.

Travelers have expressed mixed feelings about the price hikes. Some view it as an unwelcome development, with one traveler stating, “It just seems like they’re taking advantage, and Australians don’t appreciate that. Qantas should be making every effort to regain the trust of the Australian public.”

Conversely, other travelers consider the increases reasonable, given the challenging circumstances. “I think it’s an inevitable move, and I don’t find it excessive,” one passenger remarked.

Key Takeaways

Qantas has notified travelers of impending airfare increases of 3.5% on Qantas flights and 3% on Jetstar flights due to rising fuel costs.
Current global uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East and a weaker Australian dollar, are expected to maintain elevated fuel prices.
Aviation expert Keith Tonkin acknowledges the decision as a reasonable response given the ongoing fuel price escalations and global uncertainties.
Flight Centre’s CEO, Graham Turner, highlights potential negative public relations impacts resulting from the timing of the announcement.
Travelers have expressed mixed reactions, with some finding the price increases unwelcome and others considering them justifiable in light of the circumstances.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Plans to Offer Complimentary Starlink Internet Details Yet to Be Disclosed

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

Qatar Airways Plans to Offer Complimentary Starlink Internet Details Yet to Be Disclosed. In a recent development, Qatar Airways, a long-standing user of Inmarsat-now-Viasat Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite-based inflight connectivity service, has indicated its intention to offer SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation onboard Internet to its passengers on a complimentary basis. This offering will be accessible to passengers with a simple “one-click” process.

Rollout on Specific Aircraft and Routes

According to an official press release from Qatar Airways, the low-latency In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) service will be introduced on “specific aircraft and routes.” The airline has also mentioned that they are currently in the pre-launch phase of the rollout strategy in collaboration with Starlink. SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales, Jonathan Hofeller, has expressed that Starlink is “set to support the entire Qatar Airways fleet.”

This news emerged following the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO event in Long Beach, where Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. During this event, Starlink executives met with airline representatives in a nearby hotel.

Changing Landscape in In-Flight Connectivity

The Qatar Airways-Starlink collaboration signifies a shift in the in-flight connectivity landscape. Traditional GEO satellites are being challenged by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink. For example, Flexjet has announced plans to replace the Viasat hardware on some of its aircraft with Starlink.

Viasat acquisition of Inmarsat, coupled with these changes, has led to some Inmarsat value-added resellers reevaluating their positions. SITA, a service provider to Qatar Airways, has already disclosed its intention to exit the cabin connectivity market by January 2025.

Seeking Clarity from Qatar Airways

Runway Girl Network reached out to Qatar Airways to seek clarification on several points. They inquired about:

Qatar Airways plan regarding the replacement of Inmarsat (now Viasat) GX inflight connectivity hardware with Starlink.
Whether Starlink will be deployed across Qatar Airways’ entire fleet.
Commencement dates for supplemental type certifications and Starlink installations.
Which aircraft type will be the first to receive the new hardware.
The impact of SITA’s decision to cease being a GX value-added reseller on Qatar Airways’ decision to select Starlink.
Qatar Airways’ plans for continuing to roll out Inmarsat GX on its 787-9s.

Qatar Airways Response

In response to these queries, a Qatar Airways spokesperson stated via email that they would keep Runway Girl Network updated on any future operational developments. In a follow-up exchange, when further clarity on the deal was sought, the spokesperson requested the removal of a specific phrase from their press release.

Implications and Future Plans

In the absence of comprehensive details, it seems logical for Qatar Airways to consider introducing Starlink initially on its 787-8s. This fleet has seen recent in-seat In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) upgrades but still lacks true broadband connectivity.

Once Starlink is operational on Qatar Airways aircraft, passengers can anticipate complimentary access to ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up up to 350 Mbps, which can be used for various Internet-based services including video streaming, gaming, web browsing, and more. In contrast, the airline presently charges $10 for inflight access to its ‘Super Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Qatar Airways, in its press release, also proudly asserts its position as “the largest airline to collaborate with Starlink.” Other notable Starlink customers include Part 135 operator JSX, Hawaiian Airlines (launch delayed until early next year), airBaltic, and ZIPAIR.