Aviation

Lufthansa and SWISS Introduce High-Flying Wi-Fi for Short and Medium-Haul Flights

In a significant move towards enhancing the travel experience, the Lufthansa Group has announced its plan to equip all short and medium-haul aircraft on European routes with reliable Wi-Fi. Passengers flying with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and now SWISS can soon enjoy seamless internet connectivity while soaring at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

The initiative includes the installation of broadband internet on over 150 aircraft, specifically those in the Airbus A220/320 family – including models A220, A319, A320ceo, A320neo, A321ceo, and A321neo. british airways in flight entertainment This comprehensive rollout will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024, with completion expected in approximately two years.

SWISS, joining Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines in this technological leap, is set to gradually equip its short-haul aircraft fleet with broadband internet access starting from Winter 2024/2025. This strategic move aims to provide passengers with uninterrupted internet services, allowing them to stay connected, whether for personal or business reasons.

One notable feature is the introduction of unlimited free messaging for passengers on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines flights, where travelers can send and receive messages on their smartphones or tablets at no additional cost. To avail this service, passengers need to log into FlyNet using their Miles & More service card number or an email address registered with the Lufthansa Group Travel ID.

The Lufthansa Group has partnered with Viasat to implement the technology and services required for this massive upgrade. Additionally, the group has reduced the prices for other internet packages, making it more affordable for passengers to access faster Premium internet services. does air india have wifi

SWISS takes it a step further by offering free internet access for chat and messenger services, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, on its short-haul flights. Travelers will be able to send and receive unlimited text and picture messages throughout their journey. For those seeking a more extensive online experience, SWISS provides various product offers for activities such as email, web surfing, social media use, streaming, and VPN services, catering to diverse passenger preferences.

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly