Chinese travellers view themselves as hyper-connected and happy with their newfound tech status. According to the 2016 SITA Passenger IT Trends Survey, China leads the world in its highest proportion of hyper-connected passengers, with 24 per cent of travellers defining themselves as hyper-connected, compared to the global average of 14 per cent. Hyper-connected travellers are those who use mobile devices to manage their trips on a much more frequent basis and on a much broader scale.

In China, where 98 per cent of travellers carry a mobile phone and 49 per cent carry a tablet, it’s more likely for passengers to choose mobile options over in-person interactions, whether for flight check-in or trip booking. Currently, 58 per cent of all Chinese passengers use their mobile devices for in-flight entertainment.

Chinese airlines are responding to the trend, with 100 per cent of airlines investing in mobile-based services, and 80 per cent either flying or taking delivery of internet-connected aircraft. Comparatively, the global average of connected aircraft by country is only 45 per cent. Approximately 40 per cent of Chinese airlines feel connected aircraft improve passenger experience, with 100 per cent planning to invest in wireless in-flight services in the next three years.

The Internet of Things, a process by which everyday objects have the capability to send and receive data, is another highly demanded customer experience in China. Over the next three years, 100 per cent of Chinese airlines plan to invest in the Internet of Things, and 78 per cent are planning major Internet of Things initiatives. These include smart bag tags, asset tracking and cabin environment monitors.

“In today’s connected world of travel, passengers prefer to use technology. SITA’s research shows that they expect to be connected and have services delivered to their mobile devices at every step of their journey, including during their flight,” said May Zhou, vice president, SITA China. “Today we see that airlines in China are responding to the needs of these hyper-connected passengers by focusing their investments in connected aircraft, mobile-based services and the Internet of Things. With this strategy they can meet passengers’ growing demands for information and services to their mobile devices.”