eSIMs are transforming in-destination connectivity. Travellers no longer have to fiddle around with tiny SIM cards to get online or make calls — now innovative eSIM apps can connect them to the country of their choice, or even an entire region.

Bill McKimm, VP Travel at eSIM Go, believes the revenue opportunity for airlines is significant:

Having your brand be able to connect with the consumer in-destination provides a whole plethora of opportunities for upsells and cross-sales. 

The rising prevalence of high-speed inflight WiFi through Starlink has demonstrated just how much airlines believe customers value staying online. However, that connectivity ends when they get off the plane. McKimm believes the eSIM represents an overlooked ancillary opportunity that can create ‘continuous’ connection between the traveller and the Internet, but also the traveller and the airline.

One of eSIM Go’s earliest partners in aviation was European low-cost carrier (LCC) Wizz Air in 2023. McKimm describes how Wizz use the partnership to offer additional ancillaries and drive revenue:

We send push notifications halfway through the trip. ‘You’ve used 50% of your data, do you want to top up? And while we have your interest, do you want to get ground transportation back to the airport? Do you want to upgrade your seat? Do you want to go on a walking tour?’ There’s so many ways you can stay connected with the traveller at their destination.

eSIMs can also be incorporated into loyalty programmes as a reward, or offered as a bundle with other services such as car rental. With airlines operating on ever-tighter margins, eSIMs can play a vital role in enhancing customer engagement and driving revenue.

Watch the interview to get the full insight on eSIMs in aviation.

Questions asked include:

  • In-flight connectivity has been a big discussion in recent years, but what about in-destination connectivity? Do you think airlines are missing an opportunity there?
  • eSIM Go were first in the aviation market in 2023. What kind of growth and success have you seen since then? Who are your key partners?
  • In terms of ancillary revenue, how could eSIMs be incorporated further into airline’s strategy? Do you see opportunities in rewards schemes, loyalty programmes, etc?

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