In-flight WiFi quickly became the norm on airlines around the world, and Asia Pacific is no exception, despite being slightly behind carriers in the United States and Europe.

The days of enduring long flights with nothing to kill time are coming to an end for passengers of Asian carriers like Hong Kong Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and EVA Air.

Only 23 per cent of airlines in the region have in-flight WiFi, compared to 78 per cent of U.S. airlines. Even when connections do exist, internet speeds have been poor.

However, as passengers are increasingly embracing pay-to-use WiFi services, China becomes one of the hottest markets as internet service providers and airlines look to cash in on the opportunity.

Last year, market intelligence firm Valour Consultancy predicted the number of connected aircraft will increase from 333 in 2015 to 5,193 by 2025 in the Asia Pacific region alone.

Companies like Netflix have plans to provide upgrades to existing technology as well as to partner with airlines to use mobile technology to introduce faster WiFi for passengers.

While progress is being made, there are still some challenges.

In an article in August 2017 we noted a significant hurdle for airlines looking to implement in-flight WiFi services. Unlike other parts of the world, there is no single regulatory body in Asia Pacific, so there are large variations in technological developments between flight points. For example, EVA Air offers in-flight WiFi on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, but the airline is currently applying for an operating permit with the Chinese government. Until it receives the permit, internet connection temporarily disconnects when flying over mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

As demand rises in the region, though, the availability and quality of internet service increases.

So which airlines join the onboard WiFi movement?

In-flight WiFi is now offered on Asiana Airlines’ Airbus A350 aircraft with three plans available, from one hour to the entire flight.

All Nippon Airways offers in-flight WiFi for browsing and email in all classes on several aircraft including its Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A320neos.

In December, Cathay Pacific announced it will install WiFi on its entire wide-body fleet so all Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon flights will have connectivity within a few years.

China Airlines offers WiFi in all classes on its Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350, and passengers travelling with Hong Kong Airlines can also now connect to the internet aboard its new Airbus A350 aircraft on flights between Hong Kong (HKG), Bangkok (DMK), Taipei (TPE) and Los Angeles (LAX). A range of prices is available starting at 15 minutes of free service to unlimited time for around $12.

Within only a few years, global passengers can likely expect Asian airlines to be on par with the likes of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines and Air New Zealand.