- A free “Message” pass for all customers to send text messages from their favourite apps;
- Two fee-paying “Surf” and “Stream” passes to access the internet on flights;
- The entire fleet to be equipped with wifi by 2020.
Anne Rigail, EVP Customer Air France, presents Air France’s new-look long-haul Premium Economy and Economy cabins, BHV Marais, Paris, September 26, 2018
Air France has launched its push into the onboard wifi market, with new service Air France CONNECT. Customers can now access 3 Wi-Fi passes on their own devices.
It allows customers to send and receive WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage and WeChat messages free of charge on their smartphone or tablet throughout the flight. Customers can also access the airfrance.com website and the Air France app to consult or modify their reservations.
Other services come with a fee, at the following fees apply to the Surf pass:
- €3 for the entire duration of the trip on short-haul flights;
- From €5 for the entire duration of the trip on medium-haul flights;
- €8 (2,700 Miles), for one hour or €18 (6,000 Miles) for the entire duration of the trip on long-haul flights.
The most expensive Stream pass, costing €30, provides a high-speed internet connection for long flights.
By the end of 2018, Air France CONNECT will be available on 22 long-haul aircraft and eight short- and medium-haul aircraft, starting with Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s, with an aim of equipping the entire fleet by the end of 2020, Air France told Travel Extra in Paris.
At present Air France is using three carriers, EVP Customer Anne Rigail said: “Deploying connectivity is not so easy. We are using Go Go on long haul and Global Eagle on short haul. Dreamliners will have Panasonic.”
