Russia may get Wi-Fi on its planes … in 2028
- Aeroflot aims to provide Wi-Fi access on its planes by 2028, as announced by Russian officials.
- The implementation of this service is complicated by Western sanctions, which have restricted access to necessary upgrades and parts.
- Despite the challenges, there is a strong demand for in-flight internet, and Aeroflot hopes to offer it for free to passengers.
Aeroflot, the state-owned airline of Russia, is planning to implement Wi-Fi access on its flights by 2028, as stated by Russian Minister of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev. The initiative aims to provide passengers with a demanded service that is increasingly common in the aviation industry worldwide. Aeroflot's CEO, Sergei Alexandrovsky, expressed a desire for the service to be free for passengers, similar to trends seen in other countries. However, the feasibility of this plan is complicated by the ongoing Western sanctions against Russia, which have severely impacted the airline industry. These sanctions have resulted in a loss of access to essential service upgrades and spare parts, making the implementation of in-flight internet a challenging endeavor. While in-flight internet has been available on Western airlines for about two decades, Russian airlines are now facing significant hurdles in bringing this technology to their customers. The timeline for achieving this goal remains uncertain, as the airline must navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical climate and its effects on the aviation sector.