German airline Lufthansa will offer broadband internet services to passengers on its short and medium-haul flights within Europe from next year.
As the first-of-its-kind service in Europe, this will help passengers communicate and use high-speed internet when in the air.The company’s aeroplanes will be fitted with new technology for the purpose.
Inmarsat will deliver internet connectivity through its new Inmarsat S-band satellite with Deutsche Telekom’s LTE-based ground network.
Deutsche Telekom will create approximately 300 LTE sites with a range of 10km or less, which can transmit signals to passenger planes.
After the aircraft reaches a height of 10,000ft, the internet service will be provided through a combination of ground network and satellite connectivity.
Recently, Inmarsat successfully launched the third satellite in this worldwide constellation and Lufthansa is its first aviation customer to use the service.
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By GlobalDataDeutsche Lufthansa executive board chairman Carsten Spohr said: "Lufthansa has always been a pioneer of internet services on-board its aircraft.
"Having equipped all planes in the Lufthansa intercontinental fleet with our successful FlyNet system, we are now continuing our success story by providing internet on board our short and medium-haul flights.
"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."
Via a wireless network, passengers will be able to use simple email services, more complex applications and stream content on their own mobile devices, as well as send and receive text messages. Telephone calls will still not be permitted to maintain passenger comfort.
Inmarsat chairman Andy Sukawaty said: "With this integrated network we can meet the need for capacity, flexibility and quality of service, including the ability to expand quickly to anticipate growth in demand."
"Combined with our global GX [Ka-band] and L-band services, we now have connectivity solutions for the cockpit and the cabin of any type of aircraft, flying in any geography."
Lufthansa will equip its first aircraft with the new technology in early-to-mid 2016.
Image: Design demo of how the Inmarsat S-band satellite with Deutsche Telekom’s LTE-based ground network will function. Photo: courtsey of Inmarsat plc.
