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FlyNet takes off again: Lufthansa relaunches broadband
Internet on-board
New partner Panasonic provides most powerful inflight hotspot worldwide
East Meadow, NY, Oct. 12, 2009 -- In mid-2010, when Lufthansa reintroduces FlyNet, its
satellite-based Internet on-board service, the airline’s customers will once again be able to
communicate above the clouds via broadband Internet. In addition to the wireless Internet
access, the newly improved service will permit inflight data transfer over standard
GSM/GPRS mobile networks. This will enable Lufthansa passengers in the future to also
send text messages by mobile phone and transfer data via smartphones such as PDA,
iPhone or BlackBerry devices. Together with its new business partner, Panasonic,
Lufthansa plans to equip a major part of its long-range fleet with FlyNet within the first
year of operation.
An innovator in inflight Internet service, Lufthansa’s FlyNet relaunch will again position the
airline as a world leader in on-board connectivity and as one of the only carriers to offer a
broadband service on inter-continental routes. “In terms of personal communications,
Lufthansa customers can look forward to superior inflight service,” said Lufthansa CEO
and Chairman Wolfgang Mayrhuber. “On long-haul routes, we offer business travellers, in
particular, a range of communication options on par with those available at land-based
hotspots or premium hotels.” FlyNet thus rounds out the communications services
available to Lufthansa passengers throughout the entire travel chain.
“We are thrilled to be working with Lufthansa as the launch customer for Panasonic’s new
broadband service, exConnect,” said Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics
Corporation. “Lufthansa’s previous experience with passenger connectivity makes them
the ideal launch customer for the eXConnect service. Lufthansa was a true pioneer with
their FlyNet branded service. We are proud to bring FlyNet back to their passengers.”
Lufthansa is focusing on providing high bandwidth, which is essential for unrestricted web
surfing, email/file transfer including attachments, and the use of a Virtual Private Network
(VPN). In addition, this quality bandwidth will enhance the possibility of additional 2/2
operational applications such as telemedicine, in which a patient’s vitals can be quickly
transmitted to a ground station.
FlyNet is impressively user-friendly. Passengers with a Wifi or GSM/GPRS-compatible
device can log on from any point in the aircraft cabin. Depending on the device they are
using (i.e. a laptop or a smartphone), passengers can choose to be billed via a mobile
service provider or pay by credit card. Various price models are planned – ranging from a
one-hour flat rate to a monthly flat rate. Passengers should also be able to redeem award
miles for use of the Wifi Internet connections. The exact price for specific products will be
announced at a later date.
With this new service, Lufthansa is building on its positive experience with Lufthansa
FlyNet. On January 15, 2003, the world’s first scheduled flight providing broadband
Internet access on-board took off via a Lufthansa commercial flight. From May 2004 until
the end of 2006, when the service was then withdrawn by Lufthansa’s former partner
Connexion by Boeing, broadband wireless Internet connectivity gained in popularity and
the technology proved highly reliable. By that time 69 of Lufthansa’s long-range aircraft
were equipped with FlyNet.