You never get a second chance to make a first impression. For inflight wi-fi service most airlines depend on a capture portal to drive that experience. Historically portal management has been a pain, but service providers are working hard to make that easier for airlines to handle.
Panasonic Avionics‘ newest portal offering gives airlines “complete autonomy” over the user experience, delivering a flexible and customizable solution while removing many of the friction points of prior versions. VP Connectivity John Wade describes it as “a unique tool that gives airlines full control over their in-flight connectivity offering and reflects the growth of our software design capabilities.”
We recognize how crucial it is for airlines to manage the in-flight experience, showcase their brand, implement unique pricing strategies, and have the flexibility to adjust as required. Our Wi-Fi Portal will provide this for airlines, enabling them to further enhance the passenger experience.
– John Wade, VP Connectivity Services at Panasonic Avionics
Perhaps most significant, the portal can now be updated and changed without involving PAC’s development team for a full change request or software update. Instead, airlines use a self-service admin console to update content, packages, and pricing at their own pace.
This is similar to the Modular Interactive GUI management tools the company launched for its IFE platform. Those will take flight with Riyadh Air in the coming months as that carrier launches service.
The system also supports robust third party API support, allowing for integration with marketing or loyalty program systems. This enables airlines to seamlessly deliver customized connectivity packages based on frequent flyer status or cabin class.
Moreover, he new portal integrates with Panasonic Avionics’ OneMedia platform, providing monetization opportunities including banner ads and video sponsorships. And for airlines pushing a bit further into the frictionless connectivity world the new portal experience offers access to Panasonic Avionics’ partnerships with global mobile network operators, allowing passengers to access Wi-Fi roaming plans directly from the airline portal at any time.
PAC further highlights that the “cloud-native” portal is a connectivity-agnostic solution, allowing it to front IFC service from PAC and from other service providers. This allows airlines to deliver a more consistent user experience fleet-wide with mixed satellite services behind the portal.
Panasonic Avionics confirms multiple customers have signed to use the new portal solution. The company could not immediately confirm if any of those early implementations involve multiple IFC providers.
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The best first impression ever when you connect to Wi-Fi is when it just works. No portal, no crud. Just works.
I think you will find close to 100% agreement with this statement.