Lufthansa extends mile-high broadband service

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 28 May 2003 at 12:42

Lufthansa has announced that all its long-distance flights are to support on-board broadband Internet access, from the beginning of next year.

The German flight carrier has already carried out a test project - equipping the Frankfurt to Washington route - and this is now to be extended. Not only were passengers able to plug laptops into sockets near their seats or use wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, but Fujitsu-Siemens Lifebooks (S6010) were available for onboard loan.

Running from January to April, the satellite-based Internet access was provided throughout the plane cabin, and not just in first class. The project was deemed a success both in terms of customer feedback and the usage made of the system during flights.

A deal has now been signed with the Boeing-backed Connexion, which provides the aircraft computing infrastructure, and Fujitsu-Siemens will be providing the passenger computer systems. As well as Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340 and A330 planes will be supporting the FlyNet service.

Whereas Net access was free during the pilot programme, however, Lufthansa will be pricing the Internet access at between 30 and 35 euros per flight leg.

'The Internet is being given wings and will enable the mobile business traveller to make better use of his flying time', said Wolfgang Mayrhuber, deputy chairman of Lufthansa. 'Internet on board will open up new perspectives in future: from entertainment to telemedicine.'

Boeing's Connexion is equally enthusiastic that Lufthansa has pursued the on-board computing opportunity. 'Through this agreement,' said Connexion president Scott Carson, 'Lufthansa has clearly taken a position of leadership within the aviation industry in recognising the added value that broadband connectivity can bring to its passengers and to its airline operations. We salute them for their pioneering spirit and the vision we share for enhancing the travel experience for their passengers and for creating new value opportunities for their airline operations.'

What do you think about on-board computing? Will FlyNet make you choose Lufthansa ahead of other carriers in future?

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