Beginning next summer, Lufthansa will become the first network airline in Europe to offer broadband on board its short- and medium-haul flights.

The new service from Lufthansa and its technology partner Inmarsat is based on the most modern broadband satellite technology from Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network (Ka-band) and offers seamless, reliable coverage on short- and medium-haul flights. Inmarsat recently launched the third satellite in this global constellation and Lufthansa will be its first aviation customer.

The service will enable passengers to use simple email services, but also superior applications and even streaming. Passengers will also be able to use their mobile phones to send and receive text messages and for the transfer of data based on their own mobile phone contract. Telephone calls on board, however, will still not be allowed due to customer preference.