Viasat Signs IFC Deal with Dutch Airline KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is bringing Viasat connectivity to part of its fleet for European routes. This year, KLM is outfitting 181 of its Boeing 737-800 fleet with Viasat In-Flight Connectivity (IFC), with service to start in early 2022. Details for connectivity on 21 of its Embraer E195 aircraft will be announced at a later date.
The deal was announced Thursday as KLM said it began a free trial of Viasat service on two narrow-body Boeing aircraft. Viasat is delivering capacity through its Ka-band satellite network, including KA-SAT, ViaSat-2 and other owned and partner satellite systems.
KLM will offer three tiers of IFC connectivity including a free messaging service, and two paid tiers.
“Being internet connected when on-the-go is a top priority for our customers,” commented Boet Kreiken, executive vice president of Customer Experience for KLM. “That’s why we’re working with Viasat to specifically define and tailor an In-Flight Wi-Fi approach that meets current and future IFC requirements on short- and medium-haul European flights.
Earlier this year, Viasat signed a 300-aircraft deal with Delta Air Lines, and another IFC deal with Gazprom Space Systems (GSS) and Russian telecoms operator TMC LLC (TMC).