Lufthansa will become the first airline in Europe to offer broadband on board short and medium-haul flights from summer 2016.
According to the Star Alliance member, the new service is based on the most modern broadband satellite technology from partner Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network.
The broadband service enables passengers to connect their mobile devices to the network via wifi. However, unlike other carriers, Lufthansa’s offering will boast much faster speeds, meaning video streaming will be possible onboard.
Passengers will also be able to use their mobile phones to send and receive text messages. Phone calls, while possible, will not be allowed during flight due to negative customer feedback.
Lufthansa is aiming to fit its first aircraft with the technology next summer, but did not provide a timeframe for completion of the retrofit.
"Lufthansa has always been a pioneer of Internet services on board its aircraft. Having equipped all planes in the Lufthansa intercontinental fleet with our successful FlyNet system, we are now continuing our success story by providing Internet on board our short and medium-haul flights,” said Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa’s chairman.
“We are therefore the first airline in Europe able to offer its guests an Internet surfing experience boasting the same quality and speed as they are used to at home."
For more information, visit lufthansa.com
Clement Huang
