Ssshh…AeroMobile Releases Data Proving the Trend Away from Voice Calls
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In a survey geared towards holidaymakers and their use of mobile phones, AeroMobile, the UK-based mobile in-flight service provider, found that voice calls were unpopular. This isn’t to say that mobile phones aren’t being used. In fact, in-flight mobile is on the rise, but the use of voice calls is increasingly being replaced by silent services such as messenger applications.
We sat down with Kevin Rogers, CEO of AeroMobile to discuss the trends in the use of mobile in flight.
There seem to be regional and cultural differences in opinion about whether people should be allowed to make voice calls onboard. What is your inside opinion?
In reality few people choose to use their phones for voice calls whilst onboard a connected flight. Our usage stats show SMS and data are the most popular services used by passengers. The stats also show the average call duration is less than two minutes, which might include the silent service of checking voicemail.
We believe it should be left to the airlines to decide whether or not they offer voice services to passengers in flight.
“Data usage increased by 131 per cent last year and we expect this trend to continue.”
– Kevin Rogers, AeroMobile
How are passengers using mobile during their flights?
In terms of current usage SMS and data are the most popular services, but data is the fastest growing service. In fact, data usage increased by 131 per cent last year and we expect this trend to continue.
The landing page of your website says: Clear your inbox at 30,000ft! Is that the kind of activity you’ve noticed passengers partaking in most with in-flight mobile? What’s most popular?
Flying at 30,000 feet above the ground does not mean people do not want to remain connected to life on the ground, and checking e-mails is just one example of what passengers can do while on a connected flight.
Although we are unable to see exactly what data services passengers are using in flight, the mobile phone has become the go-to device for most people, especially for data services such as WhatsApp and iMessenger and e-mail. We believe this is also the case in flight, with more passengers moving away from the more traditional SMS service.
You recently launched a Holidaymaker’s Phone habit infographic – what did you find the most interesting or surprising?
The Holidaymaker’s Phone habit infographic offered some really interesting insights on how many people use their phones abroad, such as one in 10 Brits check work e-mails whilst on holiday. We also learnt passengers are prepared to give up some surprising privileges in return for in-flight connectivity, such as alcohol, coffee and a toilet, if it meant they could use their phone in flight.
How does a holidaymaker’s usage compare to a business travelers?
From our recent survey we learned that people continue to use their phone whilst abroad. In fact, 25 percent of respondents told us they use their phone to check personal e-mails, while 10 percent continue to check works e-mails. This tells us that both holidaymakers and business travelers demand connectivity while out of the country – something that we have seen reflected in flight.
Are there any myths that abound when it comes to using mobile in flight?
We recently commissioned a market research study and were surprised at how many people still think it is unsafe to use mobile phones in flight, which is not the case on a connected aircraft. We need to educate passengers onboard AeroMobile-connected aircraft that all of our systems are tested and approved by aviation authorities around the world.
In one word, the future of flight will be…
Connected.