Marisa Garcia In what represents a big win for ViaSat in the Nordics, SAS has announced that it will add high-speed onboard Wi-Fi powered through ViaSat and will upgrade the cabins on its short-haul, mid-haul fleet.
The announcement is part of a slew of digital product improvements which SAS has implement as it celebrates 70 years in business.
SAS will now invest half a billion SEK to install Europe’s flashest airline Wifi and to upgrade cabins on short and medium-haul routes.
The ViaSat Wi-Fi platform, supported by satellite provider Eutelsat in Europe, offers individual passengers speeds of 12mbit or higher, more than enough to stay productive and also enjoy television, film, and music streaming.
Many of our customers travel with us often, and we are an important part of many people’s workday. The upgrade we did to our long-distance aircraft has received enormous positive response and now we turn our attention to our short and medium-haul fleet. We’re investing in a really fast Wi-Fi with surfing speeds which will make all the time onboard useful to work, and to communicate, and to enjoy your favorite film or series. With connections for passengers and crew alike, we can also offer new levels of service onboard through smart digital solutions which will make lives easier for our customers,” saysRickardGustafson, CEO SAS.
The new SAS Wi-Fi will be free to SAS EuroBonus-members and for SAS Plus passengers. The first of the airlines aircraft to be outfitted with the ViaSat Wi-Fi system and mid-2017.
The new short and mid-haul aircraft cabins will first debut in October of this year on the airline’s new Eco-friendly A320neo aircraft, which burn 15%-20% less fuel. The cabins will be designed in keeping with the airline’s popular long-haul cabin product. Among the improvements passengers can expect are extra room, and USB chargers in every seat.
More to come…
Finnair recently selected ViaSat Wi-Fi for its short-haul route service in Europe
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