IAG to install wi-fi on shorthaul flights

British Airways and Iberia parent International Consolidated Airlines confirmed on Wednesday that it will install Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network high-speed, inflight passenger connectivity service on up to 341 of its shorthaul aircraft.

Inmarsat’s next generation connectivity services will provide a 4G broadband network, giving customers the internet access they would expect on the ground while in the air.

The service will first be available on British Airways as of summer next year, while Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling aircraft will follow later in 2017.

The airline said that by 2019, 90% of its fleets will be fitted with high-quality connectivity.

IAG said passengers will have bandwidth capacity to use multiple devices at the same time and connection speeds will be similar to what they have at home.

Chief executive Willie Walsh said: "We are giving our customers the fastest connectivity you can get on any aircraft. Having announced wi-fi for longhaul flights earlier this year we are now equipping our airlines' shorthaul fleets with inflight broadband access. Connectivity is essential because it's what our customers demand and IAG will be the first European airline group to offer high-quality air to ground wi-fi on shorthaul flights."