At a time when some are brandishing the threat of a general collapse of the long-haul low-cost model, Norwegian is taking the opposite approach. The airline has just clarified its roadmap in terms of in-flight connectivity. The arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with wi-fi last December, kick-started a global dynamic. Norwegian is now promising that half (50%) of its Dreamliners will be connected by 2020. As for the Boeing 737 MAX, their connected "update" will start in mid-January.
The airline has even clarified its marketing model, which is based on two offers: a free 'basic' section, enabling passengers to surf the web and exchange emails or messages on social networks; and a 'premium' section, invoiced at 12.95 euros for three hours, providing access to music and video streaming on platforms such as Netflix or Youtube. This in-flight Wi-Fi is based on the Inmarsat satellite network. " We are delighted to be the first [low-cost] airline to offer free Wi-Fi throughout long-haul flights. "says Boris Bubresko, Vice President Business Development. "Millions of Norwegian customers have already benefited from free Wi-Fi in European skies, and long-haul passengers can now continue to count on a free, high-speed Internet connection that will enhance and personalise their journeys," he continues.
