Elevating travel: How eSIMs drive airline innovation and customer loyalty

Are eSIMs and airlines a perfect match? We think so, and here's why.

The number of eSIM users is set to soar from 40 million in 2024 to over 215 million by 2028. And the bridge connecting these tech-savvy travelers to their destinations? Airlines. As one of the first steps in any trip, air travel is the perfect place to introduce smart solutions like eSIMs.

In a competitive market, customer loyalty hinges on product relevance and tailored experiences. Travelers choose airlines that improve their journey with thoughtful extras. Offering eSIMs not only makes travel easier but also shows that your airline is ahead of the curve, helping build loyalty and secure repeat business.

Staying ahead in the airline industry means embracing emerging travel technology. eSIMs are more than a convenience—they’re the key to securing your position as a leader in a rapidly evolving market.

Why airlines should embrace eSIM technology 

A McKinsey study shows that companies focusing on customer satisfaction build loyalty and ensure long-term success.  

Travel companies sell the magic of travel: fulfilling bucket lists, making dream trips a reality, and offering unique experiences. But there’s another dimension to travel that matters — connection.

In today’s world, staying connected is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. eSIMs provide a simple, affordable solution to meet this need, keeping travelers connected wherever they go.

Airlines are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in offering seamless connectivity. By providing easy-to-use, budget-friendly eSIM solutions, they can address customer needs, elevate the travel experience, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

How eSIMs help improve the customer experience

Customer satisfaction is critical for long-term success. According to Forrester Research, US airlines alone could capture up to $1.4 billion in additional annual revenue by improving the customer experience. 

In a competitive industry, satisfied customers become loyal customers. Loyalty leads to repeat business and consistent revenue growth. Understanding and enhancing touchpoints that set your airline apart can impact market position, revenue, and customer retention. 

With eSIM technology, airlines can offer travelers peace of mind by ensuring they’re always connected during their trips. This proactive approach enhances the travel experience and boosts customer satisfaction.  

How eSIMs improve airplane product offerings 

McKinsey research shows airlines that bundle services can expand offerings, delight customers, and reduce price sensitivity. Ancillary products not only enhance the travel experience but also provide higher margins with less complexity and effort than selling a flight.

Airlines can seize this opportunity by focusing on retailing throughout the travel journey. Bundled offers, upgrades, and innovative add-ons like eSIMs drive customer value while increasing revenue.

Benefits of introducing eSIM add-ons

Airlines can tap into retail opportunities by forming strategic partnerships to offer bundles and add-ons that enhance the travel experience.

Adding eSIMs to your product lineup creates a low-maintenance revenue stream and positions your airline as a tech-savvy, customer-focused brand. With growing eSIM adoption, you can:

• Meet the connectivity needs of global travelers.
• Boost customer satisfaction and retention.
• Reinforce your market position as an industry leader.
• Create more attractive offers with bundled packages.

How to introduce eSIMS into your product offering

Include eSIMs as an add-on option at flight booking, or offer them as a preparatory purchase before takeoff. This helps customers manage connectivity needs easily and ensures they are fully prepared for their journey.

Thanks to tailored integration solutions, eSIMs are adaptable and can be easily introduced into the customer journey as non-intrusive touchpoints. This is especially important for airlines, which need to provide a seamless and intuitive online experience from the outset.

Here are four impactful touchpoints for airlines:  

• Pre-travel planning: eSIMs are a practical add-on that meet customers' connectivity needs while staying budget-friendly.
• Booking and purchase: Offer eSIMs as a convenient add-on during checkout. Integrate them seamlessly into the booking process to keep customers engaged on your platform.
• Flight confirmation and check-in: As excitement builds for the trip, include eSIM packages in travel checklists, reminding customers to stay connected before they depart.
• In-flight: Use in-flight entertainment or magazines to promote eSIMs. This will spark excitement for upcoming destinations and provide a last-minute opportunity to stay connected.

Why choose Airalo Partners?

Partner with Airalo to enhance the travel experience for your passengers. Our easy-to-integrate solutions help airlines attract new customers, create additional revenue streams, and stand out in a competitive market.

By offering access to the world’s largest eSIM platform — with coverage in over 200 countries and regions — you can simplify connectivity for travelers while boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Here’s what Airalo Partners offers:

• The largest eSIM platform: Over 900 eSIM packages, covering 200+ destinations.
• Net pricing model: Control your profit margins with Airalo Partners' net pricing model. 
• Easy-to-integrate solutions: Our API integrations are easy to integrate. Spend time growing your business, not developing solutions.
• Continuous update and feature maintenance: A dedicated engineering team ensuring network quality and product maintenance.

FAQs: Airlines and eSIMs 

How does eSIM integration work with our existing booking systems?

All our partnerships are designed to be set up quickly and with little development downtime.  Airlines can choose from our API integration, co-branding solution, or reseller partnership.

How does eSIM usage impact data security and privacy?

Airalo Partners is committed to data security and privacy. Read more about our privacy policies here.

What about climate impact?

eSIMs are digital products that don't leave packaging traces or distribute pollution. And eSIMs can be recycled. Airalo Partners supports companies that want to reduce their carbon footprint and positively impact the world.