Article from BTNews 14 JANUARY 2019
Norwegian claims wi-fi prize
An industry first as the pioneer low-cost airline to introduce free wi-fi on intercontinental flights is being claimed by Norwegian with the roll-out of basic and premium high-speed connectivity on its Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner and B737 MAX aircraft.
The first wi-fi connected Norwegian Dreamliner was delivered last month and has entered service to mark the first time Norwegian passengers have been able to experience the free service for the full duration of long-haul flights.
Norwegian notes that it became the first carrier to offer free wi-fi on all European routes in 2011 and the first European airline to offer live television in the skies successfully in 2015.
More than 50% of the B787-9 Dreamliner fleet is expected to offer in-flight connectivity by 2020. The rollout of wi-fi on the B737 MAX fleet starts next week. The basic option is free, with the premium service costing US$19.95 or local equivalent for 3hr.
Meanwhile, Norwegian is preparing to switch its daily Gatwick – Fort Lauderdale service to Gatwick – Miami from 31 March, while continuing its routes to Fort Lauderdale from other European cities.
From Gatwick, the airline already serves Tampa twice a week as from last September and Orlando six times a week, making 15 services a week to Florida from Gatwick in all.
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