KLM is introducing Wi-Fi on European flights in partnership with Viasat. Today, the carrier launched their first Boeing 737-800 featuring the new technology. Viasat’s Wi-Fi technology will be installed on 18 KLM Boeing 737-800s by the end of this year.
On Thursday (April 22, 2021), KLM announced the introduction of Wi-Fi connectivity for European flights in partnership with Viasat. The carrier’s first Boeing 737-800 offering Wi-Fi connectivity entered service today. Viasat’s Wi-Fi equipment will be installed on 18 of KLM’s Boeing 737-800s by the end of the year. Internet connectivity is possible by connecting passengers’ personal devices to Viasat’s European satellite.
In Thursday’s announcement, KLM’s Executive Vice President – Customer Experience, Boet Kreiken, said,
“KLM continues to invest in the on-board product, so that we can continue to meet our customers’ expectations and emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. On-board Wi-Fi is an important service that customers want to enjoy for the entire duration of their journey. KLM’s internet service is already being used extensively on our intercontinental flights. Through this partnership with Viasat, we are ensuring that our customers can be online on European flights as well.”
KLM is offering three levels of onboard connectivity including Messaging, Surf and Stream. Messaging is free of charge and allows customers to send and receive messages through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat and other services. For customers requiring a higher level of connectivity, the carrier is offering their Surf and Stream options. Guests who want to watch movies on their personal device inflight will appreciate the Stream option, while Surf offers enough data for shopping online or reading news articles.
KLM customers can purchase internet packages via the KLM portal during their flight. In addition to internet access, the KLM portal facilitates upgrades for connecting and return flights and rebooking for service for delays and cancellations, as well as offers from the company’s travel partners. Once connecting to onboard Wi-Fi, KLM guests will have access to the KLM portal as well as the KLM app and the airline’s website at no extra charge.
KLM currently offers onboard Wi-Fi on their Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 fleets and is the process of installing the service on their Boeing 777s. At this time, approximately 81 percent of KLM’s intercontinental fleet is equipped with internet connectivity and all long-haul aircraft are expected to be equipped by the first quarter of 2022.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines