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Written By: Observer Staff
Article Date: Oct 24, 2009 - 10:56:55 AM
Beginning in the middle of next year, Lufthansa’s customers will once again enjoy the full freedom to communicate via the internet above the clouds as the airline re-launches FlyNet, its on-board broadband internet service.
This new service will permit in-flight data transfer over standard GSM/GPRS mobile networks. Thanks to FlyNet, Lufthansa passengers will soon not only have WLAN internet access but will also be able to send SMS messages by mobile phone and transfer data via smartphones such as the iPhone or BlackBerry. Together with its new business partner Panasonic, Lufthansa aims to equip a major part of its long-range fleet with FlyNet within its first year of operation.
With the re-launch of FlyNet, Lufthansa will once again become the world leader in in-flight connectivity. “In terms of communications, Lufthansa customers can look forward to a top-tier in-flight service,” said Lufthansa CEO and Chairman Wolfgang Mayrhuber. “On long-haul routes, we offer business travelers in particular, a range of communication options on par with those available at powerful hotspots or upmarket hotels.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Lufthansa to launch Panasonic’s new broadband service, exConnect,” said Paul Margis, CEO of the Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “Lufthansa’s previous experience with passenger connectivity makes them the ideal inaugural customer for the exConnect service. Lufthansa was a true pioneer with their FlyNet service. We are proud to bring FlyNet back to their passengers.”
Lufthansa has deliberately focused on high bandwidth as the main requirement for the unrestricted use of such services as web surfing, email and file transfer, including attachments, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In addition, only high bandwidth will enable potential future operational applications such as telemedicine, which would allow a patient’s vitals to be continuously updated to a ground station.
FlyNet is impressively user-friendly. Passengers with a WLAN or GSM/GPRS-compatible device can log on from any point in the aircraft cabin, just like at any public hotspot. Depending on the device they are using (i.e. a laptop, mobile phone or a smart phone), passengers can choose to be billed via a mobile service provider or pay by credit card. Various price models are planned – ranging from an hourly rate to a flat monthly rate. Passengers should also be able to use Miles & More award miles towards the use of WLAN internet. The exact price for specific products and services will be announced at a later date. FlyNet will gradually become available on all Lufthansa’s long-haul flights worldwide.
With this new project, Lufthansa is building on its previous experience with FlyNet, which began on January 15th, 2003, when the world’s first scheduled flight providing broadband internet access took off. Lufthansa’s FlyNet was available from May 2004 until the end of 2006, when the service was withdrawn by Lufthansa’s previous partner, Connexion by Boeing. During that time, broadband internet connectivity via WLAN gained in popularity and the technology proved highly reliable. Subsequently, 69 of Lufthansa’s long-range aircraft were equipped with FlyNet, making the Lufthansa fleet the largest internet-enabled fleet in the world, with about 30,000 users per month.