Lufthansa is to offer broadband internet access on short and medium-haul flights from next year.
The German carrier said it would offer “seamless, reliable coverage” via a broadband satellite network that passengers will access from their own mobile devices. Lufthansa already offers internet access on its long-haul fleet of aircraft.
Lufthansa has been working with Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom on the service and it should start becoming available on short-haul aircraft in early summer 2016.
The airline said the service would allow passengers to watch streaming programmes, as well as sending and receiving text messages through the use of passengers’ own phone contract data allowance.
Carsten Spohr, chairman of Lufthansa’s executive board, said: “Having equipped all planes in the Lufthansa intercontinental fleet with our successful Flynet system, we are now continuing our success story by providing internet onboard our short and medium-haul flights.
“We are therefore the first airline in Europe able to offer its guests an internet surfing experience boasting the same quality and speed as they are used to at home.”
Lufthansa has yet to announce how passengers will be charged for onboard internet access.