KLM introduces wi-fi in aircraft dedicated to European flights. The airline has begun installing Wi-Fi technology on a number of aircraft in the Boeing 737 fleet. Passengers can now become familiar with the use of the Internet on KLM flights in Europe. The first Boeing 737-800 has already been equipped to provide this service.
To achieve this, KLM has partnered with communications company Viasat, which will provide and maintain the necessary technology. Viasat Wi-Fi equipment will be installed on a total of eighteen Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The installations will be mounted on the 18 aircraft by the end of the year, according to the established schedule.
Internet connections are possible by connecting passenger devices directly to Viasat's European satellite. During the flight, KLM offers a range of three internet packages: Messaging, Surfing and Stream:
- messaging allows passengers to send and receive free messages via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, etc.
- those who want to use more data, can pay a fee and can select either Surf or Stream.
- Customers can choose the package that best suits their needs. Those who want to watch movies should choose Stream, while Surf provides enough data for those who just want to buy online or read news articles.
Passengers can purchase Internet packages through the KLM portal during the flight.
The KLM portal offers access not only to wi-fi internet during European flights, but also to upgrades for connecting and returning flights, services in case of delays and cancellations and services offered by travel partners, such as booking trips. This gives the customer more flexibility and control over his journey.
A passenger who risks losing the connection due to a delay can book his next flight with a later departure time through the KLM portal. And a passenger in Economy class who wants to fly to Economy Comfort, round trip, can arrange this through the portal, on the way to the destination (if availability allows).
After connecting to the on-board Wi-Fi network, a passenger will not only be able to access all the functionalities of the KLM portal, but will also be able to use the KLM and KLM.com application free of charge. The portal is the same on every aircraft, which means that customers will have a consistent user experience, no matter where they are.
KLM also offers this service for intercontinental flights.
KLM already offers Wi-Fi on board the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 fleets and is currently installing it on the Boeing 777 aircraft. Currently, 81% of the intercontinental fleet is equipped with an internet connection. Passengers are expected to have access to the Internet on board all intercontinental aircraft by the first quarter of 2022.
Maintain flight operations in a safe and responsible way is and remains a priority for KLM, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. This has allowed the company to operate essential, repatriation and cargo flights to date. In addition, KLM has taken many on-board safety measures, such as the use of HEPA filters, face masks and on-board service adjustment. The safety and health of KLM customers and staff is the highest priority for the company.