With British Airways set to launch its version of Connexion by Boeing on a daily Heathrow ” New York service on 18 February, Lufthansa has got into the air with what it terms the world”s first scheduled airline Internet service. And it works too, brilliantly!
ABTN was invited by Lufthansa to be a pioneer with Flynet, its name for the Boeing system, fitted experimentally on a 747 which currently flies daily between Frankfurt and Washington. Available free of charge over the next three months, the broadband based system is coupled to an antenna in the roof of the aircraft which in turn is linked to a pair of satellites focussing on earth stations each side of the Atlantic. Where it seems to differ from the BA operation (and we will find out next month) is that it offers a wireless system on the aircraft using Fujitsu Lifebook S6010 laptops. You can work away in your seat, move around if you want to and push the machine aside whilst a meal (or drinks) are being served. No wires or clutter. It should not be taken into the restroom!
With 42 machines on board, first and business class passengers are guaranteed use, but for those in economy you just have to take your place in the queue. However each seat has an Internet plug and power point for use with your own machine. Helping out on every flight are three FlyNet ”techies”, young and keen and able to sort out your (computer) problems. ABTN plugged in its well used two year 12” Acer and found it slightly slower but still very usable.
Sitting in Lufthansa”s Business Class at 38,000 ft we were able to surf the Internet at 550 mph and send an email message to the Potters Bar office. The aircraft info screen showed it to be ”48C outside, our laptop indicating +7C at Frankfurt and ”5C at Washington. If ABTN had a VPN (Virtual Private Network ” the current jargon for a central server) equipped with the latest hacker proof software at the office it would have been able to get into the company system and dispatch emails as if at base. As it was messages were sent and received using our Hotmail account. Lufthansa Technik are in the market to sell the system to airlines and private jets worldwide. In four years time it will be the norm.
Lufthansa plans to install the system on its 80 long range Boeing 747s and Airbus A330/340s for a fleet launch in 2004. With the introduction of the Airbus 340/600 later this year it does look like the airline will use the opportunity to freshen up the aircraft interior. Whilst the cabin service is amongst the best, very keen and efficient, the actual interior is reminiscent of BA a decade back and there was some criticism of a lack of storage space, even in First Class. BA”s Club World cabin with its modules does lend itself to serious office work when in the air.
From now until 15 April the airline will offer the service gratis daily on the LH 418 and LH 419. With a 1300 FRA departure British passengers can easily make the connection from several UK airports. Lufthansa leaves Washington at 1700 and BA two hours later. ABTN”s Canary Wharf London City arrival was at 0815 via some very nimble interlining at Frankfurt where, with hand luggage only, one was able to disembark and check-in in less than ten minutes. LCY arrival was 0815, and no hassle. BA would have arrived at LHR at 0730 to which one must add two hours to get out of the airport and cross London to the docklands. Watch out for the next phase. Live TV in the air across the Atlantic!