Japanese airlines roll-out in-flight internet

Both JAL and ANA will roll-out in-flight internet

Japan’s two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), have both unveiled plans to launch free in-flight internet.

JAL will begin offering its new JAL SKY Wi-Fi service this summer. The high-speed internet service will gradually be rolled-out onboard JAL’s international flights, using the Panasonic’s new eXConnect broadband solution.

The first aircraft to be installed will be a Boeing 777-300ER operating between Tokyo Narita and New York JFK airport on alternate days from 15 July 2012, and daily from early August. JAL then expects to roll out Wi-Fi on flights to Chicago, Los Angeles and Jakarta by the end of October this year, and London, Paris and Frankfurt by next spring.

JAL SKY Wi-Fi will be available in every cabin, and will enable passengers to send and receive emails and access the internet via their laptops, tablets and smartphones. JAL will also be offering a free trial of its Wi-Fi services from 15 July to 30 September 2012. Customers in first and business classes on selected flights will be invited to use the service.

ANA meanwhile, will roll-out OnAir’s Wi-Fi services on its international flights from summer 2013. The service will initially be launched on its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER and B767-300ER aircraft in all cabin classes.

By Amanda Greenwood, 26 June 2012, Tuesday 1:23 PM