German airline Lufthansa has selected California-based Viasat and Deutsche Telekom to equip more than 150 aircraft with the European Aviation Network (EAN) so passengers can enjoy high-speed internet access.

This will benefit passengers on board Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines aircraft.

EAN combines S-band satellite coverage from Viasat with a ground network operated by Deutsche Telekom. EAN provides high-speed internet on airplanes that supports streaming and other broadband applications.

Viasat acquired Inmarsat last year and continues its partnership with Deutsche Telekom and Lufthansa. Inmarsat has been providing its satellite-based Ka-band service to Lufthansa since 2015. This purely satellite-based offering is already on board 240 Lufthansa aircraft flying on short and medium-haul routes.

Deutsche Telekom acts as an internet service provider for various in-flight services. In February 2018, both partners launched the EAN, which is already being used by other European airlines.

By opting for EAN, Lufthansa can offer its passengers uniform, reliable connectivity in the aircraft, regardless of the route or the aircraft. The additional more than 150 aircraft include the Airbus A319, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo, A321neo and A220 fleet types.

EAN uses small and lightweight antennas with low air resistance for reception. The technology is also a step forward in terms of sustainability: the total weight of the system is just 60kg. This reduces additional kerosene consumption and CO₂ emissions. This factor was decisive in the Lufthansa’s choice of EAN antennas for its A320 and A220 fleets.

Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines offer their passengers unlimited free messaging on aircraft already equipped with internet access. Travelers can send and receive as many messages as they like on their own smartphone or tablet free of charge during the flight.

To use this service, passengers must log in to FlyNet with a Miles&More service card number or an email address registered with Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com). Passengers can also follow their flight live on the moving map, receive information on connecting flights, use the chat assistant for service questions, download e-journals, browse the Worldshop or view the onboard menu.

“We’re so pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Lufthansa, bringing the consistent, seamless in-flight connectivity that passengers want via the EAN,” said Donald Buchman, vice president, at Viasat (www.viasat.com). “With so many passengers set to benefit, we’re excited to see the impact that EAN has on Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines fleets, especially in helping them remain at the forefront of offering a superior passenger experience, no matter which intra-European route or aircraft they fly.”

David Fox, vice president at Deutsche Telekom (www.telekom.com), added: “EAN is a game-changer in inflight connectivity. The service adapts perfectly to Europe’s unique telco infrastructure and provides an exceptional connectivity experience for passengers while they fly above the European continent. EAN also offers a highly compelling business case for carriers such as Lufthansa due to its lightweight, small and low maintenance equipment.”

A Viasat study from 2023 on the passenger experience found that 83% of passengers surveyed would book again with an airline that offered high-quality wifi on board. Wifi on the plane is important for 81% of respondents.