KLM offers Viasat-powered free Wi-Fi on European flights

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a longtime customer of Viasat inflight connectivity for its narrowbody and regional aircraft, has started offering free Wi-Fi on European flights to members of its Flying Blue loyalty program.

“Throughout the flight, passengers can email, browse the Internet, listen to music, play games, watch movies, and stream TV series — without limitations or additional fees,” enthuses KLM, which previously offered free messaging plus various paid Surf and Stream packages to Flying Blue members traveling in Europe.

Now, after logging in or registering on the spot as a Flying Blue member, passengers on European flights can access the Internet at no charge.

Viasat is initially anticipating a healthy take-up rate of 30-40%, “which we fully expect to grow steadily as passengers become more accustomed to enjoying this complimentary service,” the satellite operator and aero ISP tells Runway Girl Network.

Presently supported by Viasat’s geostationary satellite assets, the Amara-branded IFC system is installed on KLM’s Boeing 737s as well as the Embraer E195-E2s operated by its regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper. And, in recent years, the airline has accepted Airbus A321neo deliveries linefit with the system.

A total 51 aircraft are already fitted with the IFC hardware, Viasat confirms, and a further 17 aircraft are earmarked for equipage, bringing the total to 68. “The Viasat Amara solution powers both KLM’s existing fleet and its Airbus narrowbody orders,” it notes.

Since 2021, KLM has been leveraging the full capabilities of Viasat’s IFC technologies, including its multi-layered network and capacity across the region. For example, in addition to using Viasat’s high-capacity KA-SAT satellite service over Europe, Viasat Amara “is designed to be compatible with the latest advancements, able to seamlessly access GX satellites, such as GX5 in the region,” Viasat says, referring to the Global Xpress (GX) satellites it acquired as part of its purchase of Inmarsat a few years ago.

Notably, Viasat doesn’t need to carve out additional KA-SAT capacity to support the free Wi-Fi model at KLM. “Our network was specifically designed with such offerings in mind, so there’s no need for additional KA-SAT capacity as we are able to leverage the inherent strength of our multi-layered network approach,” says Viasat, which pioneered ‘full, fast, free Wi-Fi’ at JetBlue Airways some 13 years ago.

Stephanie Putzeist, who is responsible for customer experience at KLM, says: “We listen carefully to what our passengers value, and free Internet has been on their wish list for some time. With this step, we are making travel within Europe more personal and more comfortable. Everyone can plan their flight in their own way and stay connected. We are delighted that we can now offer this to our passengers.”

KLM’s sister, Air France, is currently rolling out SpaceX’s Starlink Ku-band LEO service across its fleet; the service is offered for free to Flying Blue loyalty members. As KLM joins the party with Viasat-powered free Wi-Fi, it is laying claim to being “one of the first airlines in Europe to offer this service.”

It vows to execute a “rapid rollout of fast, full, and free Wi-Fi” across the 68-aircraft contract.

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