Flying Blue (Air France, KLM, and Other Partners) - Air France/KLM to start trial with WiFi on board in 2013

Dear all,
Internet has finally come on board flights of Air France and KLM.

http://corporate.airfrance.com/en/press/press-releases/article/item/stay-connected-on-board-air-france-and-klm-to-launch-in-flight-connectivity-in-2013/


Sincerely,

SB

Excellent news, even if it appears it will be a few years before I can count on using WiFi on any long haul flight. I used the old Boeing Connexion WiFi on LH flights many times back when it was in service. For a business person it was excellent being online during the entire Euro and American business day as I flew FRA-LAX. In this crazy always-on world it is kind of amazing that we had this regular service years ago, lost access for about a decade, and we are just now talking about getting it back someday!

I know there will be Luddites who bemoan the interruption of their peace on board, but I hope they can learn to keep to themselves and not try to stop progress.

As it's a trial on only two 777-300s in each of AF and KL's fleets, and the trial doesn't start until 2013, it could be quite a while before you find yourself on a flight with WiFi!

But still, a step in the right direction.

A little misleading as this will take at least another year to be fully implemented. Nevertheless, better late than never right?

Was sincerely hoping for WiFi onboard flights within Europe... Guess that won't be happening anytime soon...

Sincerely,

SB

And the price will be ??

And the price will be ??

I surmise thatfor FB travellers the WIFI is going to cost 30,000 miles plus tax (YQ included in the miles) :D

That receiver uses a lot of fuel!!! :o

Was sincerely hoping for WiFi onboard flights within Europe... Guess that won't be happening anytime soon...

Sincerely,

SB


I never understood the lack of free Wi-Fi in Europe relative to N. America. So many hotels, airports, trains, and coffee bars in N. America offer it, whereas in Europe it is still customary to pay for use. I realize that onboard an airliner is pretty much pay to use across the board; for the ancillary revenue and the cost of installing and certifying the equipment is costly due to the fact that the airframe is modified, which equals scrutiny by the regulators.

Its simple..because money can be made by offering it for a fee. Now that more and more people rely on internet, the case for charging money for use actually becomes stronger. And as long as all the majors charge for it, they don't have a need to offer it for free to be competitive.