Air France connects

Together with its partner airline KLM, Air France is to conduct experimental flights across the North Atlantic this summer offering passengers wi-fi and live TV.

Two of the airline’s Boeing 777-300s have been equipped with a Panasonic system which will offer connectivity throughout the flight.  Customers can connect to the internet using their wi-fi enabled smartphones, laptops or tablets at a fixed rate and use their mobile phones for text.

During the pilot phase AF/KLM will offer hourly and full-flight fees: €10.95 per hour or €19.95 for the full flight, applicable for all classes.  Travellers can pay for their internet access by credit card.  Mobile phone usage (for text and data) will be billed to the phone user according to their own roaming agreements.  Access to the in-flight website will be free of charge.  Wireless service – whether the on-board portal or satellite internet – will commence once the flight has reached 20,000 feet.

Through this test phase, customers will be asked to share their comments, suggestions and expectations.  Initially the service will be offered by Air France on a daily Paris-Charles de Gaulle – New York JFK service, and by KLM to Panama City. www.airfrance.com

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