Finnair to launch wifi in long-haul fleet next year

Finland’s national carrier Finnair is to launch wireless network connection in its long-haul fleet in May 2017.

In 2015 the airline announced it would launch wifi network connectivity on the majority of its wide and narrow-body aircraft, with the first wireless services coming on stream last year in the new Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. It now plans to begin wifi installation on its long-haul Airbus A330 aircraft in October, with the project due for completion in May 2017.

Piia Karhu, SVP, Customer Experience Development at Finnair, said: “In May 2017, our customers will be able to enjoy wireless network connection on-board all of our long-haul fleet.

The new service will offer a range of benefits to passengers

“In addition to internet access, we will have a broad offering of inflight entertainment, shopping opportunities, real-time news content and other additional services in Finnair’s free of charge Nordic Sky portal.”

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC Panasonic), which already supplies the connection for the A350 fleet, has been chosen as the supplier of the wireless connection on Airbus A330 aircraft. The connection will be achieved by Ku band satellite technology, which guarantees a working global network connection during a flight.

Wireless internet access is free to Business class passengers, Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum customers, and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald level customers. Economy class passengers can purchase internet access at an hourly rate (€5 per hour) or for the duration of the flight (€15).