SAS launched a strategic partnership with mobile telcom provider 3 to boost the airline’s global communications network and its passenger-facing inflight internet services. The deal will see 3 manage SAS’ worldwide operational mobile communication. It will also help the carrier cover the cost of delivering the complimentary Starlink internet service on board.
By combining 3’s technological capabilities with SAS’ network and EuroBonus ecosystem, we gain scalable connectivity and the opportunity to explore new services that connect the travel experience on the ground, in the air, and across the world. – Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS
The Starlink service is already free for SAS EuroBonus members. This partnership extends that to also cover customers of 3.
The companies also tease “exploring further commercial synergies, including deeper integration between the EuroBonus program and 3’s mobile services, with the ambition of creating even greater value for their shared customer base.” Put another way, a decent future likelihood of adding points earning for passengers using 3 as their mobile service provider.
Such partnerships are relatively common across the inflight internet world. T-Mobile was an early mover in the space, linking up with Gogo to provide some complimentary connectivity depending on the service tier.
Since then other relationships emerged, including:
Roaming of cellular devices on to an inflight internet service is also supported by some TelCos, including SK Telink on as subset of the Korean Airlines fleet.
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