CARLSBAD, Calif., - The Lufthansa Group in Cologne, Germany needed an in-flight connectivity technology partner to upgrade more than 150 aircraft across its Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines fleets. They found their solution from Viasat, Inc. in Carlsbad, California.
Viasat's European Aviation Network (EAN) combines S-band satellite coverage provided by Viasat with a complementary ground component network operated by long-standing Viasat and Lufthansa Group partner, Deutsche Telekom, to deliver a service that supports streaming and other high bandwidth requirements. The additional 150-plus aircraft getting upgrades include Airbus A320s, A320neos and A220s fleet types.
Inmarsat, which was recently acquired by Viasat, has provided its Ka-band IFC service to Lufthansa Group since 2015. This connectivity solution is already onboard 240 Lufthansa Group narrow-body aircraft.
EAN allows air travelers in Europe to benefit from a pan-European IFC experience. EAN takes advantage of small, low-weight, low-drag terminals.
Lufthansa Group airlines recently unveiled a new release of its onboard portal, FlyNet, which will be accessible on EAN-equipped aircraft. The portal gives passengers the opportunity to log in to in-flight connectivity using their Travel ID or Miles and More logins, and to access information from menus for onboard food and beverage to duty-free offers and advertisements.
"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," Don Buchman, GM and VP, Commercial Aviation at Viasat, says. "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."
"EAN is a game-changer in inflight connectivity. 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," says David Fox, Vice President, Inflight and Connectivity Services at Deutsche Telekom. "EAN also offers a highly compelling business case for carriers due to its lightweight, small and low maintenance equipment."
