KLM has started installing WiFi technology on part of the Boeing 737 fleet. Passengers can discover the internet on KLM European flights. The first Boeing 737-800 is provided with this service. To this end, KLM has entered into a partnership with communications company Viasat, which supplies and maintains the required technology. A total of eighteen KLM Boeing 737-800s will be equipped with Viasat's Wi-Fi equipment. The plan is to complete the installation by the end of this year.
“KLM continues to invest in the product on board, so that we can continue to meet the expectations of our customers and emerge stronger from the crisis. Wifi on board is an important service that customers want to have during their entire journey. KLM's internet service is already frequently used on intercontinental flights. With this collaboration with Viasat, we ensure that our customers can also be online on European flights ”, says Boet Kreiken, EVP Customer Experience
Free messaging
The internet connection is possible by directly connecting passengers' smartphones and tablets to Viasat's European satellite. During the flight, KLM offers the choice between three internet packages: Messaging, Surf and Stream. Passengers can send messages with Messaging free of charge via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, et cetera. Those who want to use more data can do so for a fee and choose from Surf or Stream. The choice of the package is determined by the needs of the customer. For example, if you want to watch movies, choose Stream, if you want to shop online or read news articles, Surf is enough for you. The internet packages can be purchased during the flight via the KLM portal.
KLM portal: more flexibility and control over the journey
The KLM portal offers not only Internet access, but also upgrades for onward connections and return flights, service in the event of delays and cancellations, and services from travel partners, such as booking excursions. This gives the customer more flexibility and control over the journey. A passenger who threatens to miss his connection due to a delay, for example, can already rebook the next flight on board to a later time via the KLM portal. And an economy class traveler who would like to fly Economy Comfort on the return journey can arrange this during the outward journey in the portal (subject to availability). After connecting to the WiFi network on board, not only are the functionalities on the KLM portal accessible, but the KLM app and KLM.com can also be used free of charge. The portal is the same on all devices, so that the customer has the same user experience everywhere.
All intercontinental aircraft in 2022
KLM already offers Wi-Fi on board the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 fleets and is in the process of installing it on the Boeing 777 aircraft. At present, 81 percent of the intercontinental fleet is equipped with internet. In the first quarter of 2022, passengers on board all intercontinental aircraft are expected to have internet access, KLM said on their website.
Photo above: KLM image bank.
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