Lufthansa has signed up as launch customer for Boeing's Connexion broadband internet and e-mail service and will install the system on its entire long-haul fleet. Beginning early next year, about 80 of Lufthansa's Airbus A330s, A340s and Boeing 747-400s will be equipped.
Financial details have not been disclosed and Boeing and Lufthansa have yet to announce the passenger pricing policy that will be used, although the use of air miles or other bonus schemes is being considered on top of a nominal service fee.
Lufthansa Technik will design and plan the installation, producing kits and supporting service bulletins.
British Airways, which tested the service on one of its 747s earlier this year, is also understood to be keen to add it to its long-haul fleet. However, the airline says a decision may not be taken until the third quarter of this year.
Japan Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines have also announced their interest. Boeing will charge for the installation but will own the equipment and operate a revenue-sharing scheme with the airlines.
Source: Flight International
