Norwegian First Low-Cost Airline to Introduce Free Wi-Fi on Intercontinental Flights

The first Wi-Fi connected Norwegian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft was delivered on December 18, 2018 (reg: G-CKWP) and features American author Mark Twain on its tailfin. The new aircraft has entered service, which marks the first time Norwegian passengers can experience free inflight Wi-Fi for the full duration of long-haul flights.

Norwegian became the first carrier to offer free Wi-Fi on all European routes in 2011 and the first European airline to successfully offer live television in the skies in 2015. Since 2013, Norwegian has rapidly grown to become a leading long-haul airline offering more than 60 long-haul routes between Europe, the United States, South America and Asia serviced by modern, state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft.

More than 50 percent of Norwegian's 787-9 Dreamliner fleet is expected to offer in-flight connectivity by 2020. The rollout of Wi-Fi on the airline's Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will commence from mid-January 2019.

"We're continuously improving the inflight customer experience and we're delighted to be the first airline offering free Wi-Fi for the full duration of long-haul flights. Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free Wi-Fi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalize their journeys. From being the first European airline to launch free Wi-Fi on all short-haul flights followed by free live television, Norwegian's rollout of high-quality inflight broadband services will offer business and leisure travelers even greater value at affordable fares," said Vice President Business Development Boris Bubresko, Norwegian.

Passengers will enjoy fast speed internet using the wireless inflight connectivity platform, CabinConnect™ by Collins Aerospace. Passengers will have highly secured access to content through CabinConnect, including their favorite shows, inflight map and voice and messaging services through their devices.

CabinConnect uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation (GX) satellite network, specifically designed to offer passengers consistent, reliable high-speed global inflight connectivity. Inflight Wi-Fi works via an antenna fitted to each aircraft fuselage that communicates with Inmarsat's GX satellite network.

"We are collaborating with Norwegian to achieve their vision of optimizing their aircraft and enterprise operations to address both cabin and flight deck requirements, as well as adding new capabilities for the future," said LeAnn Ridgeway, Vice President of Information Management Services at Collins Aerospace.

In 2019, five brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 19 737 MAX aircraft will join Norwegian's fleet. Norwegian currently operates 24 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of its overall Dreamliner fleet of 32 aircraft.

Two packages - Basic and Premium inflight Wi-Fi

Norwegian economy and Premium customers on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX will have the choice of two inflight Wi-Fi packages:

Basic option

The Basic option is free and will allow customers to browse the web, stay-up-to-date on social media, send and receive emails and instant messages with friends, family and colleagues by using their personal mobile phones, tablets and laptops on board for the full length of the flight.

Premium option

Fast enough to stream music, movies and television shows on Netflix, YouTube and Hulu among others, Norwegian will offer passengers a Premium high-speed Wi-Fi option.

Premium high-speed Wi-Fi will be available at an introductory price of $14.95 USD for a three-hour package. Customers can select their preferred currency when choosing the Wi-Fi package.