Before the end of 2024, Lufthansa Group to equip its short and medium-haul Airbus aircraft with Internet connectivity. Passengers travelling on European routes will be able to use Wi-Fi on board. The plan is to equip all aircraft in the Airbus A220/320 family. (A220, A319, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo, A321neo) operated by Lufthansa, its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings, Austrian Airlines and, for the first time, Swiss.
But this is nothing new. Indeed, it is, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings have been offering broadband connectivity since 2017 on numerous short- and medium-haul Airbus A320 flights. The number is in fact the main new feature of this announcement: more than 150 aircraft will be equipped. However, this operation will take two years.
Free internet messaging
More good news for passengers. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines now offer free and unlimited messaging on aircraft already equipped with internet access. Passengers can now send and receive as many messages as they wish free of charge on their own smartphone or tablet during the flight.
To use this service, you must log in to FlyNet with a Miles & More service card number or an e-mail address registered with the Lufthansa Group Travel ID..
For all other Internet packages on boardThese include faster Premium access, available from just six euros, the price has been reduced by almost 50% at the beginning of the year.
Use of the Lufthansa Group Airlines applications and many services of the Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines FlyNet portal, the Eurowings Wings Connect portal and, in future, the Swiss Connect portal are generally free of charge.
Internet equipment that's better for the environment
According to Lufthansa, passengers can follow their flight live on the mobile map, for example, receive information on connecting flights, use the chat assistant for service questions, download electronic magazines, browse the Worldshop object catalogue or consult the on-board menu.
The Lufthansa group has entrusted Viasat with the technology and service to equip the 150 additional aircraft. Until now, Internet access on some 200 of the Lufthansa Group's Airbus A320s has been based solely on a satellite connection.
A hybrid technology called EAN (European Aviation Network) will provide the Internet connection for new aircraft equipped with. It also represents a step forward for the environment. The antennas are smaller and lighter than the current system, the total weight of the system is less than 60 kilograms. This reduces additional paraffin consumption and CO2 emissions.
