Singapore Airlines trials unlimited Wi-Fi for Business Class and PPS Club passengers

If you’re flying with Singapore Airlines in the near future, you might be in for a pleasant surprise where inflight connectivity is concerned. 

Singapore Airlines has launched a trial on selected aircraft which sees Business Class and PPS Club members upgraded to all-you-can-eat Wi-Fi, and KrisFlyer members given a 2-hour unlimited plan. 

This is much more generous than the existing allowances, and hopefully points to a permanent change. 

Singapore Airlines’ enhanced Wi-Fi allowances

For context, Singapore Airlines passengers normally receive the following Wi-Fi allowances, depending on status and cabin class. 

However, MileLion reader Colin spotted an upgrade on his recent flight home from Auckland on SQ286.

Instead of the regular 100MB allowance, Business Class and PPS Club members are now getting unlimited Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight. And instead of a 2-hours chat plan (with throttled speeds that only support text-based messaging apps), KrisFlyer members in Premium Economy and Economy Class receive a 2-hours surf plan, with no data caps.

I reached out to Singapore Airlines for comment, and was told the following by a spokesperson:

Singapore Airlines is conducting a Wi-Fi trial on selected aircraft types as part of our continuous review of the existing Wi-Fi offerings. During this period, customers can enjoy a range of onboard Wi-Fi allowance, depending on their KrisFlyer membership status and cabin class

The spokesperson also confirmed the following table:

The trial is currently available on the following aircraft:

• Airbus 350-900 Long Haul
• Airbus 350-900 ULR
• Boeing 737-8
• Selected Boeing 777-300ERs
• Boeing 787-10

Note the omission of the A350-900 Medium Haul, which operates routes like Melbourne, Seoul, Hong Kong, Adelaide and Brisbane. Also missing are some of the B777-300ERs, though it’s unclear whether it’s the 15 aircraft using the newer GX Aviation system or the 8 aircraft on the older version. 

If you’re flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class, do remember that your PPS Club or KrisFlyer membership number must be affixed to your reservation in order to enjoy your free allowance. If you forget to provide your membership number, it’s too late to do so once onboard. 

Could this be something permanent?

While this is positioned as a limited-time trial, I’m hopeful it could yet become something permanent.

I can see a strong case for unlimited Wi-Fi in Business Class, as this would be a major draw for business travellers. It would also be a fillip for Singapore Airlines; which would be the first airline in the region to offer it on such a scale (but not the first- JetBlue, Air New Zealand and Qantas (on domestic flights) offer free Wi-Fi to all passengers).

Presumably the idea is to test whether the network is capable of handling the increased load, and if it is, who knows?

Which Singapore Airlines aircraft have Wi-Fi?

Singapore Airlines has invested heavily in inflight connectivity over the past few years, and it’s starting to pay dividends. With the retirement of the A330-300s, B777-200s and B777-200ERs during the pandemic, Wi-Fi is available on virtually every aircraft in the fleet. 

The sole exception are the B737-800s, of which there are seven in active service at the time of writing: 

• 9V-MGC
• 9V-MGD
• 9V-MGE
• 9V-MGK
• 9V-MGL
• 9V-MGM
• 9V-MGN

These can currently be found on the following routes: 

• Brunei (BWN)
• Denpasar Bali (DPS)
• Kathmandu (KTM)
• Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
• Medan (KNO)
• Penang (PEN)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Siem Reap (REP)
• Surabaya (SUB)

If it’s any consolation, these flights are all around 2 hours or less (with the exception of Kathmandu, blocked at a meaty 4 hours 35 minutes), so the lack of connectivity shouldn’t be a deal breaker. 

Unfortunately, the B737-800s will remain in the fleet for 2-3 more years, as their leases end between September 2024 to January 2026. 

Conclusion

For a limited time, Singapore Airlines is offering PPS Club and Business Class passengers all-you-can-eat Wi-Fi for the entire duration of the flight, and upgrading KrisFlyer members to a 2-hour unlimited plan.

It’s welcome news for passengers who won’t need to nurse a 100MB allowance anymore. Let’s hope the network holds up well, and this becomes a permanent thing. 

Did you receive the upgraded Wi-Fi allowances on a recent flight? Let us know what routes and dates!

(HT: Colin)