As more airlines introduce internet packages, it’s getting ever-harder to disconnect in the sky.
And soon there will be no excuse for ignoring your inbox on a Norwegian flight.
After introducing free wifi on all European routes in 2011, the low-cost carrier says it will offer the same service on long-haul.
The free option is suitable for basic web browsing, emails and social media. Internet fast enough to stream video will come at an introductory price of $14.95 USD (£11.70) for a three-hour package.
The service is called CabinConnect and uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation satellite network through an antenna fitted to each aircraft fuselage.
The roll-out will begin on Norwegian’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX fleet, with around 50 per cent of Dreamliners expected to be ready by 2020.
A spokesperson for Norwegian said that the carrier’s existing long-haul fleet would also be retrofitted “over time”.
A Dreamliner featuring American author Mark Twain on the tailfin was delivered on December 18, which the airline says is its first with free wifi enabled for the whole of a long-haul flight.
Norwegian has more than 60 long-haul routes between Europe, the USA, South America and Asia. By April it will be running 15 from London Gatwick.
Vice President for Business Development Boris Bubresko commented:
“We’re continuously improving the inflight customer experience and we’re delighted to be the first airline offering free wifi for the full duration of long-haul flights.
“Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free Wi-Fi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalise their journeys.”
