Air France to Test Wi-Fi on Board Short and Medium-haul Flights in 2015

As of summer 2015 and during a three-month trial phase, Air France and Orange will offer Wi-Fi access on board two Airbus A320s on the short and medium-haul networks

Photo © GTP

Customers travelling on two Air France short and medium-haul Airbus A320s will be able to surf the Internet, read their emails, watch live TV or enjoy their favourite series with a fee-paying Wi-Fi access offered by Orange, a leading telecommunications operator.

As announced on 27 November at a press conference in Paris, Air France passengers will be able to use their laptops, tablets or smartphones to connect via Wi-Fi to the Internet or a portal offering a wide choice of entertainment (live TV, movies, series and music) as well as practical information aimed at making their journey even more enjoyable (connecting flight times, services available at the destination, etc.).

According to a BVA study, passengers are looking for a simple in-flight Wi-Fi access, free of engagement. 78% of Air France customers say that they are interested in having access to the Internet via Wi-Fi on board. 28% of passengers say that they are willing to pay for this service if the price is suitable.

As part of this joint project, Air France Industries is in charge of installing the equipment required for operating and maintaining the WiFi service on the two aircraft. Orange Business Services oversees the technological solution – from the supply of the satellite network, which allows to offer a Wi-Fi connection on board, to the portal accessible by passengers.