09 JAN 2019: Norwegian says more than 50 percent of its Dreamliner 787 fleet will offer free wi-fi by 2020. The airline says it is the first low cost carrier to introduce free wi-fi on intercontinental flights, including on flights to the US, South America and Asia. It will also offer a faster, paid-for connection for passengers who want to stream movies.
In 2011, Norwegian was the first airline to offer free wi-fi on all European routes, and the first to offer live TV in 2015.
The first 787 offering wi-fi was delivered in mid-December and the roll-out on Norwegian’s 737 MAX aircraft will begin in mid-January.
Norwegian economy and Premium customers on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX will have the choice of two inflight wi-fi package: basic, offering free internet access with a speed fast enough to surf the web, use social media and send and receive emails and instant messages using their own devices, and premium, which is fast enough to stream music, movies and TV shows.
Vice president business development Boris Bubresko said, “We’re continuously improving the inflight customer experience and we’re delighted to be the first airline offering free Wi-Fi for the full duration of long-haul flights.
“Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free Wi-Fi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalize their journeys.
“From being the first European airline to launch free wi-fi on all short-haul flights followed by free live television, Norwegian’s roll-out of high-quality inflight broadband services will offer business and leisure travellers even greater value at affordable fares.”
Norwegian is using the wireless inflight connectivity platform, CabinConnect by Collins Aerospace, which uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation (GX) satellite network.
Inflight Wi-Fi works via an antenna fitted to each aircraft fuselage which communicates with Inmarsat’s GX satellite network.
Norwegian will take delivery of five new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 19 737 MAX aircraft this year.