Lufthansa aims for European first with inflight broadband service
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Lufthansa has confirmed it will launch in-flight broadband internet services on its short- and medium-haul routes next summer, making it the first European carrier to do so.
The first aircraft will be fitted with the new technology in early summer 2016.
Carsten Spohr, chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “Lufthansa has always been a pioneer of Internet services on board its aircraft … 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.”
The new service developed by technology partner Inmarsat is based on the company’s Global Xpress network (Ka-band). Inmarsat recently successfully launched the third satellite in this global constellation and Lufthansa will be its first aviation customer. The service will enable passengers to make the most of broadband Internet access on their own mobile devices via a wireless network.
Lufthansa claims the technology will support a range of online services, including streaming media. Passengers will also be able to use their mobile phones to send and receive text messages and for the transfer of data based on their own mobile phone contract. Telephone calls on board, however, will still not be allowed due to customer preference.
Lufthansa is also committing to a flight trial programme for a new hybrid network being developed for Europe. The European Aviation Network combines an S-band satellite from Inmarsat with a complementary LTE ground network being provided by Deutsche Telekom. From 2017 onwards, Lufthansa will commence a flight trial program of the new technology.
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