Passengers order from their personal device and details are transmitted instantly to cabin crew via Bluetooth, part of the new Immfly/gateretail digital cabin initiative for Wizz Air
Wizz Air‘s cabins are coming online as part of a digital ecosystem push backed by Immfly and gateretail. The two-part program combines in-seat ordering fleet-wide and a proof-of-concept for narrowband inflight connectivity.
We are investing in smart, scalable technology that gives customers more control and more choice, from ordering at their seat to staying connected in the air.
– Ian Malin, Chief Commercial Officer at Wizz Air
Digital Ordering – No Wi-Fi Required
In-seat on-board shopping is now available fleet-wide. Passengers using the Wizz Air app can browse the catalog and purchase food, drinks, and other items direct from their device, without an internet connection. The system uses Bluetooth to communicate orders to the crew.
The effort is powered by Immfly’s inflight digital ecosystem, integrated with gateretail’s retail systems and is now active on more than 260 aircraft across the Wizz Air operation.
Messaging and More
A handful of Wizz Air’s UK-registered planes will also trial the Immfly inflight internet service, powered by Immfly’s proprietary Equilux server and Iridium’s global satellite network. The deal calls for a six month proof of concept program among the companies.
Passengers on these aircraft will have access to paid messaging packages, allowing for communication to the ground. The companies highlight multiple WhatsApp bundle offerings available; a full flight option is teased at £5 in the collateral, while a one hour connection is offered for £3.
Whether that is enough for passengers remains a significant point of contention within the inflight connectivity world. Different route and passenger demographics have different needs, of course. But getting enough to buy in to a low bandwidth solution has proven challenging in the past. Immfly launched a similar solution last year with TUI, so it has some data now on take rates and price points.
The system will also feature wireless inflight entertainment, including movies, TV shows, music and more. This will be a paid offering, not complimentary.
A small Iridium antenna attached to a handful of WizzAir planes will allow the carrier to sell WhatsApp messaging sessions to passengers as part of a 6-month trial program with Immfly
Passengers will also have access to the same inflight shopping that is available fleet-wide. Finally, passengers will have complimentary access to real-time flight data, a moving map, and destination content.
Crew Considerations
Wizz Air will also also use the Iridium link to deliver additional services inflight for its crew. The system will support real-time data sharing with pilots, allowing for improved route planning and fuel optimization, ostensibly delivering cost savings to the carrier.
The Iridium trial also allows Wizz Air to process credit cards in real-time, reducing fraud.
Speaking to the deal, Immfly president Fernando Guinea shared, “With Immfly’s unified digital ecosystem at the core — combining retail, connectivity, and operational data — we’re enabling Wizz Air to elevate every aspect of the onboard experience.”
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Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
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