After updating the service in early February with a simpler sign-on process on top of other software updates, Emirates has seen a further 25 pcer cent increase in uptake.
Emirates said it continues to invest over USD 20 million annually on installing and operating inflight connectivity systems, which enable onboard Wi-Fi services.
The airline said on its ultra long-haul flights (over 14 hours), over 30 per cent of passengers typically use Wi-Fi services, and on a recent flight to New York, 66 per cent of passengers used onboard Wi-Fi.
On more than 60 per cent of the installed fleet, the first 10MB data is free - sufficient for an update on social media accounts or texting via instant messaging apps.
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Thereafter, and for the rest of the fleet, users can enjoy 500MB of data for a token USD 1 charge. By giving either free access or charging a token amount since last October, Emirates has seen a near fivefold increase in usage.
Emirates is in the process of converting all of its Boeing 777-300ERs and 777-200LRs to become Wi-Fi ready at the rate of two-to-three aircraft per month.
"Emirates is subsidizing or waiving the high cost of buying data to serve our passengers on routes across six continents. We foresee that free Wi-Fi onboard is the future standard for all our customers, something that will require no charge or limitations," said Patrick Brannelly, Divisional Vice President for Customer Experience (Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity).
In 2014, about 650,000 customers used Emirates' Wi-Fi service on board and as of early March this year, more than 350,000 customers have already used the service.