Norwegian is the first airline to offer high-speed broadband on flights within Europe. The Scandinavian airline launched its new service yesterday.
“Norwegian is proud to be the first airline to offer wireless internet access on board flights in Europe. It is satisfying to be able to give our passengers the opportunity to work, read online newspapers, play games or watch online TV while flying with us. This is a product that no other airline in Europe is currently offering, which gives us a huge competitive advantage,” said Director of IT and Business Development, Hans-Petter Aanby, at Norwegian.
All new aircraft with WiFi
The aircraft have an antenna, which communicates with a satellite, mounted on the fuselage. Inside the aircraft, there are two separate networks, one that is open for passengers and one for pilots and cabin crew that will make their work in the air easier and more efficient.
By summer 2011, 11 aircraft will have internet on board and by the end of the year 21 will be equipped with this technology. By 2012, 40 aircraft will have in-flight WiFi.
All of Norwegians new Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be equipped with this technology. Norwegian’s 737-300 aircraft are being phased out continually and by the end of 2012 Norwegian will have a unitary fleet of 737-800s, making one of Europe’s newest, most cost-effective and environmentally friendly fleets with an average age of 3 years.
Norwegian has selected the U.S. company Row 44 as the supplier of its WiFi system. The company currently supplies the same technology to Southwest Airlines.
