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Eurowings is the world’s first low-cost carrier to go live with GX Aviation

Eurowings has installed Inmarsat’s game-changing, high-speed broadband service, GX Aviation, on its short and medium haul routes.

The Düsseldorf-based carrier, part of the Lufthansa Group, is using GX Aviation to power its new WINGS Connect service, which went live on 1 February 2018. Following a successful trial on selected aircraft, passengers on 30 of Eurowings’ Airbus A320 fleet now have access to the world’s leading inflight connectivity solution. 

GX’s reliable and seamless high-speed coverage will allow flyers to browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with an on-board connectivity experience equivalent to broadband services available on the ground.

During the launch period, Eurowings will provide all passengers with 10 minutes free access to the internet to demonstrate the impressive capabilities of its GX-powered service.

Following this try-before-you-buy access, customers can choose from three packages: Connect S (€3.90 per flight) will allow flyers to use messaging services); Connect M (€6.90 per flight) will enable passengers to browse the internet), while the premium option, Connect L (€11.90 per flight), will support streaming services.

From launch, the reaction was both instant and positive.

WINGS Connect will also supplement Eurowings’ inflight entertainment system, WINGS Entertainment, which has been available, free of charge, on short and medium haul fleet since August 2016. 

"By spring, nearly 185 aircraft will have been equipped throughout the group"

Throughout early 2018, the number of Airbus A320 fitted with the requisite technical hardware is expected to rise to 70. Lufthansa Technik has been installing the latest Ka-band satellite technology in just four days per aircraft. Thanks to this swift turnaround it’s expected that by spring 2018, nearly 185 aircraft will have been equipped.

Sean Lund, Inmarsat Aviation’s Commercial Vice President hailed the launch as a momentous occasion.

He said: “We are delighted that Eurowings has become the first low-cost airline in the world to enter commercial service with GX Aviation. This is a significant milestone for Inmarsat, Eurowings and most importantly, for the passengers that now have access to world-class broadband on-board their flights. They are now able to send and receive messages, browse the internet, stream videos and more, with different packages available to suit their individual requirements.”

Oliver Wagner, Eurowings’ Chief Commercial Officer, was equally buoyant about the commercial unveiling of WINGS Connect, stating that it cemented Eurowings’ position as a technology innovator.

"The company has developed what is currently the most innovative and most powerful solution available"

He added: “We are the first low-cost airline to offer our passengers a leading inflight entertainment system paired with broadband internet. So the collaboration with Inmarsat for internet access is a logical conclusion. Technically speaking, the company has developed what is currently the most innovative and most powerful solution available. Our customers can now look forward to high-speed internet on board our aircraft in the coming weeks.”