SINGAPORE – A new mobile application is making waves in the aviation sector, particularly in Asia, with its innovative approach to in-flight communication. Wingle, a third-party messaging platform, enables passengers to connect with one another during their airborne journeys, all without the need for an internet connection. By simply activating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on their devices, users can engage in conversations with fellow travelers, opening up a world of social interaction at cruising altitude.
Connecting Passengers in the Sky
Wingle, a clever blend of the words “wing” and “mingle,” not only facilitates messaging but also offers features such as airport lounge bookings. Available in English and Spanish, the app is set to expand its linguistic offerings in the near future. Co-founder Inigo Merino expressed the app’s potential, stating, “Everyone has a Hollywood dream of meeting someone on a plane and getting a date.” However, the app’s purpose extends beyond romantic connections; it serves as a platform for socializing and networking as well.
The inception of Wingle traces back to 2020 when Merino and his co-founder, Pol Quintana, both 30, first brainstormed the idea while working in Dubai. Frequent travelers themselves, they recognized a gap in opportunities for passengers to forge connections during flights. Merino reflected, “I looked around and saw that there were so many people like me, traveling for work alone, and I didn’t know any of them.” Wingle aims to bridge that gap, allowing users to communicate with individuals seated several rows away.
After refining their concept, the duo launched Wingle in Europe in July 2024, with a global rollout, including Singapore, occurring in January 2025. The app has already attracted over 20,000 active users, with a significant majority hailing from Europe, while Asian users currently represent less than 10% of the user base.
Features and User Experience
Wingle generates revenue through commissions from various booking services, including luggage storage and lounge access. With over 800 airport lounges available for booking, including notable options at Changi Airport, the app enhances the travel experience beyond mere messaging.
To begin using Wingle, users must create a profile that includes their name, age, gender, profile picture, and home airport information, along with a personality diagram highlighting six characteristics such as creativity and sociability. Once their account is established, users can select their flight from a list of departing flights and access the chat function once the aircraft is airborne. In a bid to protect user privacy, only names, ages, and personality diagrams are visible to other users, while profile pictures remain hidden unless permission is granted.
Conversations are ephemeral, disappearing at the end of each flight, which Merino describes as adding a layer of excitement and gamification. However, the app’s anonymity raises concerns about potential misuse. Joyce Lee, a senior associate at Withers KhattarWong, cautioned that such platforms could encourage harmful behavior and stressed the importance of educating users on responsible interactions.
Reception and Future Prospects
As for the app’s reception in Asia, marketing expert Hannah Chang from Singapore Management University noted that while many in the region may initially be reserved in face-to-face interactions, the app’s online format could foster social engagement, especially with its privacy features. User feedback has been mixed; some find the concept intriguing, while others, like Singaporean lawyer Maximilian Tay, express concerns about the immediacy of interactions in close quarters.
Users like Fanni Fulop from Hungary have shared positive experiences, finding value in the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers, although the temporary nature of conversations can be a drawback. Alvin Chan, a manager at Alton Aviation Consultancy, emphasized that Wingle’s success will hinge on its ability to integrate seamlessly into the broader travel experience, enhancing user satisfaction and value.
Wingle is not the first attempt at in-flight messaging; airlines like Air New Zealand and American Airlines have previously offered similar features through their entertainment systems. KLM also introduced a social networking function called Meet and Seat in 2012, allowing passengers to connect based on shared interests.
