3 6 Ke·2025-10-15 12:38Core Viewpoint - China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has become the first domestic airline to offer free Wi-Fi service across all cabin classes on its wide-body "Air Express" flights, breaking the previous norm of limiting free Wi-Fi to premium classes [1][3]. Group 1: Free Wi-Fi Implementation - Starting from October 11, CEA's free Wi-Fi service will be available for all passengers in economy, business, and first class on designated routes [1]. - The free Wi-Fi covers 37 routes, including major business travel routes such as Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing Capital, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, accounting for 70% of CEA's domestic wide-body flights [1]. - Currently, CEA has equipped 110 wide-body aircraft with Wi-Fi, and this initiative marks a significant expansion of free Wi-Fi access [1]. Group 2: Service Levels and Upgrades - The free Wi-Fi service is categorized as a basic service, supporting web browsing, instant messaging, online office work, and email handling [3]. - Passengers seeking enhanced experiences, such as audio and video entertainment, can upgrade to standard or premium Wi-Fi services for a fee [3]. - Previously, the full Wi-Fi service cost 50 yuan, but now passengers can upgrade from the free basic version to the standard version for 30 yuan if they desire entertainment options [3]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The trend of offering free in-flight Wi-Fi is gaining momentum globally, with airlines like Turkish Airlines and Emirates planning to expand free Wi-Fi access to more classes by 2025 [6][7]. - CEA's move to provide free Wi-Fi is part of a broader shift in the airline industry, where companies are transitioning from price competition to service differentiation [9]. - The recognition of in-flight Wi-Fi as a necessary service rather than an optional add-on reflects changing consumer expectations, particularly among business travelers [11]. Group 4: Technological Developments - Recent advancements have allowed for continuous Wi-Fi connectivity from takeoff to landing, enabling passengers to remain connected at all times [12]. - The integration of high and low Earth orbit satellites is becoming a trend in the industry, with ongoing developments in domestic low Earth orbit satellite technology [14][16]. - Major airlines, including United Airlines, are partnering with companies like SpaceX to implement satellite-based Wi-Fi systems, aiming for comprehensive coverage by 2025 [14][16].