Connectivity a Hot Commodity with Well-to-Do Passengers

Viasat Inc has been selected by the Lufthansa Group to provide in-flight internet service to more than 150 new aircraft, across the Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines fleets.

The deal will see aircraft fitted to the European Aviation Network in-flight connectivity spec. That will provide combined S-band Viasat satellite coverage with a complementary ground component network operated by long-standing Lufthansa Group partner, Deutsche Telekom. The end result will be fast enough to support streaming in-flight, an increasingly decisive factor for passengers looking to maximize productivity.

"We're so pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Lufthansa Group, bringing the consistent, seamless in-flight connectivity solution that passengers want via the European Aviation Network," said Don Buchman, GM and VP, Commercial Aviation at Viasat. "With so many passengers set to benefit, we're excited to see the impact that EAN has on Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines' fleets – especially in helping them remain at the forefront of offering a superior passenger experience, no matter which intra-European route or aircraft they fly."

David Fox, Vice President, Inflight and Connectivity Services at Deutsche Telekom, said the new European Aviation Network system will be a "game-changer in inflight connectivity", adding that "The service adapts perfectly to Europe's unique telco infrastructure and provides an exceptional connectivity experience for passengers while they fly above the European continent."

FMI: www.viasat.com