Lufthansa works to become the first airline in Europe to offer broadband aboard the short and medium haul flights. It is expected that the system pass the work in 2016, complementing the broadband connections currently offered on intercontinental flights.
"Lufthansa has always been a pioneer in the development of internet offers on board. After equip all aircraft of Lufthansa intercontinental fleet with FlyNet, we continue the success story with internet on board on routes short and medium distance "commented Carsten Spohr, chairman of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. "With this, we are the first airline in Europe to offer passengers the experience of surfing with the same quality and speed as at home."
The platform uses the Ka band satellite Inmarsat, one of the most recent launches in this segment, provides reliable, uninterrupted for short and medium distance flights through the Global Xpress Inmarsat network coverage.
Inmarsat recently successfully launched its third satellite in space, expanding globally the scope of mobile broadband internet on the planet.
As in other intercontinental flights, the passenger can use your own mobile device to access broadband internet and can be accessed from services such as e-mail to streaming. In addition, the passenger can use SMS and data transfer via their own cell phone.
Lufthansa points out that due to customers' explicit requests, will not continue offering telephony on board.
The installation of systems in the short and medium-range fleet will be carried out by Lufthansa Technik, which will integrate all systems and components for aircraft, also including the whole process relating to the legal guidelines of air transport and clearance. Lufthansa System already provides the necessary infrastructure for the internet to work on board. This includes both network operation on the plane - the technical condition of WLAN on board - such as the assignment of the necessary software for the operation of an internet portal.
In addition, Lufthansa Systems and Lufthansa Technik are planning a long-term global partnership to offer a modern IT platform on board (Board Connect) and multifunctional application with broadband internet access also to other airlines.
In 2017, Lufthansa participate in a test of a new hybrid European network program that combines Deutsche Telekom LTE band with the satellite S. This promising technology and novel technology offers potential with regard to costs, and may be adapted flexibly to future needs of broadband transfer.
On January 15, 2003, Lufthansa operated the first commercial flight in the world with access to broadband Internet, using the then Connexion by Boeing service, which employed 802.11. The pioneer flight was performed by a Boeing 747-400 that flew between Frankfurt and Washington DC
In 2006, despite the increasing popularity among passengers, Boeing canceled services because of the need for operation to remove the satellites used in the system. From December 2010, Lufthansa again became the first airline to offer access to broadband Internet in their intercontinental flights. Since early this year, the FlyNet is available in all 106 aircraft long-haul Lufthansa fleet.
