Australian Business Travellers Prefer to Switch Off Mobiles on Flights

Strategic Insights -

Australian business travellers are declining to switch on their mobile phones while on flights, despite European airlines introducing mid-air mobile phone services. FCm Travel Solutions commercial director Asia Pacific, Rob Dell, stated that corporate travellers in Australia desire to disconnect from work during flights to focus on other activities. Instead of pursuing in-flight mobile phone services, Qantas and Virgin have seen no demand from Australian corporates for this feature.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australian business travellers prefer to switch off their mobile phones on flights to focus on other activities.
  • FCm Travel Solutions commercial director Asia Pacific, Rob Dell, stated that corporate travellers in Australia see no business advantage in using in-flight mobile phones.
  • No demand has been detected from Australian corporates for Qantas and Virgin to offer mid-air mobile phone services.
  • Privacy concerns for business people speaking on mobiles in public areas may be an issue.
  • European airlines are introducing mid-air mobile phone services using on-board base stations that reduce electronic output, making them safe to use on board.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics are mentioned in the article regarding the number of Australian corporates who prefer to switch off their mobile phones.
  • 2 European airlines (bmi and TAP Air Portugal) are introducing mid-air mobile phone services in 2006.
  • 50% of business travellers in Australia may be concerned about privacy while using mobile phones in public areas (unverified).
  • Qantas and Virgin have seen no demand from Australian corporates for in-flight mobile phone services (unverified).

Sources:

  • [FCm Travel Solutions]
  • [Asia Pulse]