Air France and KLM to trial inflight connectivity

Air France and KLM flights have partnered with Panasonic Avionics to launch a joint inflight connectivity programme on board their long-haul flights. Trials are expected to commence in early 2013. The system will enable customers to stay connected with the world through text messages or emails as well as internet connection and ultimately through live broadcasts of TV programmes. On the specially designed inflight website, a broad range of services will be offered for free, like latest news, TV channels relevant airline and destination information and online magazines. The trial phase will be conducted over the year 2013 on two Boeing 777-300s, operated by each airline. During this period, travellers will be able to hook up to the internet via their Wi-Fi enabled smartphone, laptop or tablet PC at a fixed rate, as well as use their mobile phone for sms or e-mail, whatever their travel class. “Being permanently connected is now part of our customers’ daily lifestyles. This trial run is the first step of Air France’s and KLM’s long-term strategy to offer inflight connectivity solutions across our long-haul fleet. We are pursuing our investments to even better serve our customers and to remain at the forefront in terms of innovations and mobile services,” said Christian Herzog, Senior Vice President Marketing Air France KLM.