From early summer 2016, Lufthansa will be the first network airline in Europe to offer broadband on board its short and medium-haul flights.

The first aircraft will be fitted with the new technology in early summer 2016.

The new service from Lufthansa and its technology partner Inmarsat is based on broadband satellite technology from Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network (Ka-band). Inmarsat recently successfully launched the third satellite in this global constellation and Lufthansa will be its first aviation customer.

The service will enable passengers to make the most of broadband internet access on their own mobile devices via a wireless network, not only for e-mail services, but also applications and streaming. Passengers will also be able to use their mobile phones to send and receive text messages and for the transfer of data based on their own mobile phone contract. Telephone calls on board, however, will still not be allowed due to customer preference.

Lufthansa Systems and Lufthansa Technik are additionally planning to offer the platform to other airlines.

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