KLM is starting today with the offer of free wireless internet on European flights, without major restrictions.
KLM will offer unlimited free Wi-Fi on European flights. To connect to the internet, passengers must be members of Flying Blue: the airline’s frequent flyer program. Having an account is sufficient.
Free and unlimited is a major step for in-flight connectivity. When internet is already available for free, it is usually limited connectivity that allows you to send messages, for example, without photos. KLM will now offer full internet, so that connected working on European flights becomes a possibility.
Rollout to almost the entire fleet
It is unclear on which aircraft the free internet is currently available. In any case, the rollout of the free formula starts today. In the coming years, KLM wants to equip almost its entire fleet with the capacity. All Airbus A321neos, Embraer E192-E2s and part of the Boeing 737-800s would get connectivity.
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Customer Data from KLM and Air France Take Free Flight
Air France, which forms a group with KLM, has been offering free internet since last year. Air France relies on Starlink from SpaceX for this. KLM does not immediately communicate which technology it uses, but most likely also works with Starlink.
Lufthansa too
Major competitor Lufthansa does not want to be left behind. The company wants to equip all aircraft of its own company but also subsidiaries with Starlink Wi-Fi. The first flights should have internet on board by 2026 and by 2029 the fleet of some 850 aircraft should be equipped with Wi-Fi. The plans also apply to Brussels Airlines, which is part of Lufthansa. Here too, a frequent flyer account will be a requirement.