If you think that you're going to escape from the clutches of business (at least for awhile) citing non-availability of cell phones while flying, think again. Scandinavian Airlines will soon be in a position to allow its EuroBonus members to make VoIP calls. A partnership with Swedish manufacturer Zaark is making this possible.
Zaark, touted as a leader in mobile VoIP technology, has a strong product offering and extensive industry expertise, and the addition of its technology will provide EuroBonus members with a good communication platform. As broadband connections become more common, traditional barriers of communication are becoming broken and running VoIP calls is easier than ever.
The Swedish company is expected to develop a special white label mobile VoIP solution to be used during flights. It's to be named EuroBonus Connect and the airline is expected to roll this out in 2014 for its EuroBonus members.
Nils Lindhe, vice-president of loyalty at Scandinavian Airlines, noted that his company is "delighted" to have signed a deal with Zaark and is sure it will create a "first-class communication platform" to be used on its jets.
VoIP calls are cheap and reliable, making them the ideal communications tools while in the sky, and with many flights taking several hours, it's no longer necessary to cut yourself off from office altogether. This could really be good news for those workaholics who can't imagine life without business.
"EuroBonus members are very active and communication services align well with their lifestyle and needs. We are convinced that this new service will be well received at the same time as it will give us a distinct competitive edge," added Lindhe.
While acknowledging that the rollout of VoIP phones on planes is further evidence of the wonders of technology, will VoIP calls becoming a reality while in the air be the blessing that it's made out to be?
Imagine a scenario where almost everyone is on a business VoIP call, striking deals, canceling contracts, or attending meetings – unwilling to let up from where they left off on the ground – and the flight will resemble boardrooms rather than what it is meant to be, a break away from everything, at least for a while.
So while EuroBonus members make merry and keep themselves mentally agile and active, other flyers will just have to get an extra set of noise-eliminating headphones to keep their journey peaceful.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson