Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines Prepare for Free Internet On Board

Harry Hohmeister, Deutsche Lufthansa AG Board of Directors member, announcing the new service.

Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have announced the launch of free Internet connection services for short haul and mid-range flights during a three-month test phase.

In the coming test period, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines passengers will be offered free Internet access. The test phase will produce user data that will be used to enhance the service ahead of its official market launch mid year.

The aim is for the two airlines to offer Internet access on short haul and mid-range Airbus flights as well as on inner-European routes through 3-, 7- and 12-euro packages. Lufthansa passengers will be able to gain Wifi access from their own mobile devices.

“I am pleased that we can soon offer broadband Internet to our passengers on inner-European flights, giving them the chance to have a seamless digital experience,’’ said Harry Hohmeister, Deutsche Lufthansa AG Board of Directors member.

”Since the launch of Lufthansa Flynet, it has been our goal to offer added value on board to our customers through innovation – and that also includes our Internet provision,’’ he added.

In the first quarter of 2017, Lufthansa aims to offer Internet access on 20 of its aircraft with the aim to equip all of its A320 fleet with broadband technology by 2018.

Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines passengers are already using their mobile devices on board to test the airline’s future Internet service at no charge.

Eurowings also has plans to bring Internet services on board 69 of its aircraft  in the near future.

Lufthansa was the first airline to offer broadband Internet access on a long haul flight in 2003.