TUI is the 1st airline in the world to offer WhatsApp messaging and excursion planning from 35,000 feet
July 30, 2025
TUI has upgraded the in-flight entertainment and connectivity experience of its Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. In an industry first, passengers can now use WhatsApp and plan destination excursions from the comfort of their onboard seat.
The airline developed its platform through a collaboration with onboard digital solutions provider Immfly. TUI has already equipped 59 aircraft to offer the service, with 15 more to follow by the end of this year.
With their iOS or Android smartphones and tablets, passengers can stream entertainment, send messages to friends and family on WhatsApp, and book destination activities before they arrive.
Wireless in-flight entertainment includes over 100 movies in eight languages, 20 TV series, 16 podcasts, six games, and exclusive content like TUI World Cook – Season 1. Passengers can access the entertainment suite for just €3.90 or £3.35 per device.
“Our new platform seamlessly combines entertainment, travel information, and services — right where our guests’ holiday begins: onboard,” said Peter Glade, Chief Commercial Officer at TUI Airways.
“This makes TUI even more digital and optimises our in-flight experience for customers across Europe. We are also very proud to be the first airline to enable our guests to book exclusive excursions for their holiday destination while jetting to the beach.”
TUI brings WhatsApp messaging in-flight
TUI is the first airline in the world to offer WhatsApp messaging in-flight. The airline uses Iridium Certus connectivity to enable the service.
The airline has installed Iridium Certus LEO antennas for narrowband connectivity, which it can upgrade to allow high-speed network connections without requiring significant cabin alterations.
Connectivity is billed separately from the entertainment suite fee. Prices range from €3.50 per hour to €6.00 for the whole flight, depending on flight distance. The airline plans to roll out additional messaging services, including iMessage, in the coming months.
Passengers can browse and book TUI Musement holiday experiences onboard
Through seamless integration with TUI Musement, the platform lets travellers explore and reserve more than 1,500 curated activities — such as cultural performances, city tours, and culinary workshops — directly from their seat.
Passengers will receive a secure email payment link upon landing to confirm their in-flight bookings.
TUI Collection experiences, known for sustainability, authenticity, and small groups, are on sale during the rollout of the new service.
“Our mission is to make memorable, high-quality experiences easily accessible to every traveller, wherever they are,” says Mirco Fiumene, Chief Marketing Officer of TUI Musement.
“By integrating our curated portfolio directly into the in-flight platform, we not only inspire guests to dream about their destination but also empower them to start shaping their trip while still in the air. It’s a seamless extension of the TUI experience, digital, personalised, and designed to make every moment of the journey count.”
TUI offers a robust entertainment suite in the palm of your hand
The platform also offers extensive shopping and activity options, as well as flight and destination information. An interactive flight progress display features a 3D moving map, showing altitude, remaining flight time, outside temperature, and speed.
“The positive feedback confirms that with our new in-flight platform, we are meeting our guests’ needs precisely,” said Jill Nye, Director of Customer, Cabin Crew and In-flight Services, TUI Airways.
“We are committed to a long-lasting, flexible solution that grows with the expectations of our passengers and sustainably improves the flight experience. Today, we are already exploring the next innovation steps — such as the use of high-speed connectivity or the integration of further content.”
The Immfly platform supports a host of other services
Inmmfly’s solution is hardware-agnostic and long-term adaptable. The platform’s architecture supports future services such as real-time payment validation, seat-based food and beverage ordering, and other third-party integrations. These allow airlines to convert their aircraft cabin into an interactive, revenue-generating digital hub.
“This partnership with Immfly underscores our commitment to continuously enhance the in-flight experience with innovative, technology-driven solutions,” Nye said. “Their modular technology and tailored support have been instrumental in delivering a seamless experience across our European fleet.”
Immfly’s technology is already installed on over 2,500 aircraft and serves more than 400 million passengers annually across 50 global airlines. The TUI partnership brings that scale and expertise to leisure aviation.
