The travel group Tui is currently equipping a large part of its aircraft fleet with a modern WiFi system that will provide passengers with a wide range of digital services during the flight. Since January 2025, 37 aircraft have already been equipped with the satellite-based Iridium Certus system. By summer 2025, a total of around 65 Tui Airline aircraft, including the German Tuifly fleet, are expected to have WiFi on board. The system will enable passengers to track the flight route on a map and stream paid films, series and podcasts, among other things.
In the future, new services such as sending WhatsApp messages via the on-board network and the option to book excursions and activities in the destination country on board will also be added. The Wi-Fi system will be installed in various aircraft types, including the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which all new Tui Airline aircraft will receive. In total, Tui Airline currently operates around 110 short- and medium-haul aircraft and around 20 long-haul aircraft. The system uses a nine-centimeter antenna, which should have little impact on kerosene consumption and offers sufficient bandwidth for basic internet services.
With this innovation, Tui Airline joins the growing number of airlines that offer WiFi on board. However, the company is a latecomer in Germany, as airlines such as Lufthansa, Eurowings and Condor already offer a comparable service. Many airlines now offer paid WiFi, although prices and terms of use vary depending on the airline. Even when WiFi is in use, the device's flight mode remains active to avoid disruption to air traffic and high roaming charges.
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