Article from BTNews 5 SEPTEMBER 2016
Finnair boost for IFE
In another major step to boost its inflight entertainment services, Finnair last week signed an agreement with the broadband and technology provider ViaSat to install a high-speed wireless internet network on its entire Airbus A320 series short-haul fleet flying in Europe.
The airline says the new system, installation of which begins next May for completion by June 2018 and which has a connection speed of 12 Mbps or higher per passenger, will offer the fastest in-flight internet connection currently available.
Finnair said the system will also enable the use of increasingly-popular video-streaming services and ensure “end-to-end in-flight connectivity service across the fleet”.
The airline announced in July that its entire long-haul fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft would be retrofitted with wi-fi connectivity by May 2017 (BTN 11 July).
Finnair is already operating six A350-XWB aircraft, offering wireless connectivity for its passengers, and is expected to receive another five A350 aircraft by the end of next year.
The airline says with both the long-haul and short-haul fleets set to offer internet connectivity by June 2018, more than 1,000 route pairs on its network will offer wi-fi connectivity for transiting passengers.
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