Norwegian Airlines has launched “gate-to-gate” Wi-Fi which gives passengers access to the airline’s Wi-Fi network as soon as they step on board the aircraft. The airline says customers traveling on any route across their global network will now be able to stay connected for the entire duration of the flight, from pushback to arrival at the gate.
Previously, the aircraft had to climb to an altitude of 10,000 feet before the Wi-Fi network was activated. With “gate-to-gate” Wi-Fi, passengers will have a Wi-Fi connection as soon as they are seated and can remain online until they arrive at their destination.
“We know how important it is for our passengers to have internet access. Until recently, flights were hour-long black holes when it comes to internet coverage. Now, Norwegian makes it possible to be online from the moment you board the aircraft until you step outside again. We launched free Wi-Fi on board in 2011 and since millions of passengers have been surfing the internet on board, so are looking very much forward to offering the new gate-to-gate experience to our passengers,” says Kurt Simonsen, chief customer and digital officer at Norwegian.
The Gate-to-Gate Wi-Fi is available now on the entire Wi-Fi enabled fleet servicing both short and long-haul routes, the company says.
Earlier this year, Norwegian became the first airline to introduce free Wi-Fi on transatlantic routes which is currently being rolling out on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Customers have two choices – Basic free Wi-Fi for the full duration of long-haul flights and a premium high-speed option, fast enough to stream television shows and movies.
Norwegian expects to have the rollout of Wi-Fi completed on 50 percent of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft by 2020.