Lufthansa Group Selects EAN by Viasat and Deutsche Telekom for Seamless In-Flight Broadband

European Aviation Network (EAN) for Lufthansa Group. © Deutsche Lufthansa AG

(IN BRIEF) Lufthansa Group has partnered with Viasat and Deutsche Telekom to equip over 150 aircraft with the European Aviation Network (EAN), delivering high-speed in-flight internet access for passengers flying with Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. EAN combines satellite coverage from Viasat with a ground network operated by Deutsche Telekom, offering seamless connectivity for streaming and other data-intensive applications. This move underscores the Lufthansa Group’s commitment to providing passengers with consistent, reliable in-flight connectivity across its fleet. The lightweight EAN technology also reduces kerosene consumption and CO2 emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. Passengers can enjoy unlimited free messaging on equipped aircraft, enhancing the in-flight experience. The partnership enhances the Lufthansa Group’s position in offering a superior passenger experience and staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 24-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Deutsche Telekom (ETR: DTE), one of the world’s leading integrated telecommunications companies and the largest telecommunications provider in Europe by revenue, announces that Lufthansa Group has made a strategic choice to partner with Viasat and Deutsche Telekom to outfit over 150 aircraft with the cutting-edge European Aviation Network (EAN), offering passengers aboard Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines access to high-speed internet services. EAN represents a game-changing innovation that seamlessly integrates S-band satellite coverage provided by Viasat with a complementary ground network (CGN) expertly operated by Deutsche Telekom. This collaboration empowers air travelers with high-speed internet during their flights, supporting a variety of bandwidth-intensive applications, including streaming.

Building upon our longstanding partnership, Viasat, which recently acquired Inmarsat, continues to work closely with Deutsche Telekom and the Lufthansa Group. Since 2015, Inmarsat has been delivering its satellite-based (Ka-band) services to the Lufthansa Group. This purely satellite-based solution has been successfully deployed on 240 Lufthansa Group aircraft operating short and medium-haul routes. Additionally, Deutsche Telekom serves as a trusted internet service provider for various in-flight services. In February 2018, both entities jointly launched the European Aviation Network, which has already been adopted by other prominent European airlines.

By adopting EAN, the Lufthansa Group can ensure uniform, dependable in-flight connectivity for passengers, regardless of the flight route or aircraft type. The more than 150 aircraft to be equipped include various models from the Airbus A319, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo, A321neo, and A220 fleets. EAN stands as a remarkable testament to Europe’s technological and regulatory leadership, providing air travelers with exceptional in-flight connectivity experiences across the continent.

EAN employs small, lightweight antennas with minimal air resistance for reception, significantly reducing the overall system weight to a mere 60 kg. This substantial weight reduction translates to lower kerosene consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, a critical factor that influenced the Lufthansa Group’s decision to opt for EAN antennas on its A320 and A220 fleets.

Moreover, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines offer their valued guests unlimited free messaging on aircraft already equipped with internet access. Passengers can freely send and receive messages on their personal smartphones or tablets during the flight, without incurring additional charges. To access this convenient service, passengers need to log in to FlyNet using their Miles&More service card number or an email address registered with the Lufthansa Group Travel ID. Additionally, passengers can enjoy real-time flight tracking on the moving map, receive information on connecting flights, utilize the chat assistant for service inquiries, download e-journals, explore the Worldshop offerings, and peruse the onboard menu.

Donald Buchman, General Manager and Vice President, Commercial Aviation at Viasat, said: “We’re so pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Lufthansa Group, bringing the consistent, seamless in-flight connectivity solution that passengers want via the European Aviation Network. 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, Inflight and Connectivity Services at Deutsche Telekom, adds: “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 Group due to its lightweight, small and low maintenance equipment.”

A recent study by Viasat in 2023 on the passenger experience underscores the importance of high-quality WiFi onboard, with 83% of passengers surveyed expressing a preference for airlines offering such services. Furthermore, 81% of respondents considered in-flight Wi-Fi essential, highlighting the significance of high-quality broadband services for both passengers and airlines.

About Deutsche Telekom: Deutsche Telekom Group profile

About Viasat: Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes the way consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to enable high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable and fast connections that positively impact the lives of people everywhere – on the ground, in the air or at sea – while building a sustainable future in space. On May 30, 2023, Viasat completed the acquisition of Inmarsat, bringing together the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, in the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.

Media contact:

Anne Geelen
Spokesperson

media@telekom.de
+49 228 181 49494

SOURCE: Deutsche Telekom AG