KLM wants to have WiFi on European flights within a few years

Within a few years, KLM also wants to offer Wi-Fi on flights within Europe. Wi-Fi should work on all intercontinental flights by the end of next year, after which it will be the turn of planes that commute between European airports.

The WiFi on European flights requires different systems than those on intercontinental flights, because it concerns different types of aircraft, KLM CEO Pieter Elbers told aviation site Up in the Sky. The system also costs more, he says.

First, KLM will provide the aircraft for intercontinental flights with Wi-Fi and that will happen before the end of next year. Only then will it be the turn of the aircraft of European flights. With Wi-Fi, the screens of the inflight entertainment system disappear, after which users can connect to the entertainment system of the airline via their own devices and the Wi-Fi connection.

It is still unknown exactly when KLM intends to offer Wi-Fi on European flights. Sister company Air France wants to provide all aircraft in the fleet with wireless internet in the near future. The connection is via satellite connections. Since 2013, KLM has had an aircraft in which it offers Wi-Fi.