KLM has launched inflight wifi on its first B737-800 aircraft, introducing the technology on its European flights.
The Dutch carrier has partnered with Viasat to roll out wifi across 18 B737s, with the installation set to be completed by the end of the year.
Passengers will be offered three packages, as follows:
- Messaging – the ability to send and receive messages free of charge through services including Whats App and Facebook Messenger.
- Surf – offering “enough data for those who just want to shop online or read news articles”
- Stream – for “those who want to watch movies”
Surf and Stream packages can be purchased via the KLM Portal during the flight, which will also enable customers to access services including upgrading connecting and return flights, and rebooking flights where a passenger is at risk of missing their connection due to a delay.
KLM and its sister carrier Air France began installing wifi on its long-haul fleet back in 2016, and the Dutch airline currently offers the technology on its B787 and A330 aircraft, with its B777s being retrofitted.
A total of 81 per cent of KLM’s intercontinental aircraft now offer internet connection, with the rollout expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2022.
Commenting on the news Boet Kreiken, EVP customer experience, said:
“KLM continues to invest in the on-board product, so that we can continue to meet our customers’ expectations and emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
“On-board wifi is an important service that customers want to enjoy for the entire duration of their journey. KLM’s internet service is already being used extensively on our intercontinental flights.
Through this partnership with Viasat, we are ensuring that our customers can be online on European flights as well.”
