Air France and KLM are to trial in-flight wifi and mobile phone data services on two B777-300 aircraft early next year, with a view to extending the service across their long-haul fleets.
The trial, being carried out in partnership with Panasonic Avionics, will take place from February 2013, and will enable passengers to access wifi internet services, as well as send and receive text messages and emails via mobile phone. Note that there is no mention in the release about the possibility of in-flight mobile phone calls.
The Air France KLM group says the trial will be conducted during next year on two B777-300 aircraft, one operated by each airline, and will be available in all classes on these aircraft, with passengers asked to give feedback.
The group adds that “On the specially designed in-flight website, a broad range of services will be offered for free, like latest news, TV channels, relevant airline and destination information and a unique offer of online magazines”.
For more information visit airfrance.co.uk, klm.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
