Mango's in-flight Internet by mid-2010

“Mango's focus this year is not only on enhancing service delivery to our guests,” said CEO Nico Bezuidenhout, “but in the continual exploration of innovation and ancillary revenue opportunities. The launch of web-connectivity on board our aircraft not only underpins Mango's business objectives, but allows travellers, in particular our business guests, to leverage a priceless commodity - time.” Bezuidenhout said that Mango's Internet service will be operational across its fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Mango will follow a similar roll-out process as America's low-cost Southwest airline.

No sign-up costs

Carel van der Merwe, CEO of WirelessG said: “G-Connect strives to be an innovative product within the telecoms space, but with our first in-flight partnership with Mango, we are able to take this one step further and provide a low-cost Internet service for local flyers as well. There are no sign-up costs to get a G-Connect account and no contract tie-ins, which makes this a viable option for all Mango guests. Your G-Connect account then allows you stay connected through a shared wallet on the ground, or in-flight Wi-Fi in the air, paying only for the services use."

High-speed Internet at altitude

The satellite-based technology will deliver high-speed Internet at altitude. “In fact, the cost of data transfer is more affordable than many bandwidth offerings on the ground,” said Bezuidenhout. Several airlines, including Southwest, have made connectivity at altitude available globally with great success. Bezuidenhout added though that Mango's service will be moderated to exclude access to potentially offensive web content. “In order to ensure the comfort of all our guests on board, content that should be accessed in privacy will not be available.”

Subash Devkaran, senior manager: Aircraft Certification Division of of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: "The application for, and availability of, wireless Internet on board commercial airliners is welcomed by the CAA. We do believe installation of this system would facilitate business efficiency in South Africa, thereby contributing to enhanced economic growth in the country."