Jetstar begins wireless trials

Low cost airline Jetstar has started a trial of wireless broadband for the launch of its Sydney-Ballina Byron service.

Built on the Telstra CDMA network, the EVDO wireless broadband infrastructure handled customer check in and other airport operations at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

Ballina Byron is the latest addition to the domestic carrier's list of destinations.

Alan Joyce, chief executive at Jetstar, said the technology provided lower costs and faster airport setups, in addition to the mobility benefits.
 
The wireless infrastructure was only a third of the typical IT costs associated with a new airport set-up, the carrier said in a statement.

“As a new low-cost technology now available to airlines, Jetstar’s vision for many airports in its network could allow the future delivery of customer check in of passengers literally from inside a briefcase," said Joyce.

According to Joyce, Jetstar was open to the adoption of new technology in order to add new customer benefits and maintain lower air fares.

Last year the company launched the Jet SMS service that allowed customers to book flights via their mobile phone.