For the first time in the carrier's history, passengers can stay connected onboard.
A LOT 787-8 in Los Angeles (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
On July 25, Viasat, a satellite WiFi services provider that enables onboard internet connectivity for airlines, announced in a press release that LOT Polish Airlines chose its services as part of the ongoing Boeing 787 Dreamliner retrofit program.
As the first LOT Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft went into service in 2012, they are very well due for a refresh. Together with a strategy for 2028, the carrier announced that its widebody fleet will be retrofitted. With the fleet being intended for service through at least another decade, it is a must these days for airlines to include onboard internet connectivity for passengers.
“At LOT Polish Airlines, we aim to deliver an exceptional passenger experience,” said Izabela Leszczyńska, Director of Product Development and Customer Experience at LOT Polish Airlines. “As part of our cabin upgrade, which will provide a new quality of travel, we have partnered with Viasat, a global leader in connectivity, to implement our in-flight connectivity services. Soon we will be able to offer our passengers the much-awaited convenience. The ability to enjoy Internet access while flying will top off the many changes that the retrofit of our Boeing B787 Dreamliner will bring.”
Recaro CL6720 business class seat for LOT Polish Airlines (Photo: Recaro)
Satellite connectivity is one of the most common and proven ways to provide customers with onboard internet service. This kind of service has existed in the commercial airline market for well over a decade already, with carriers like United, Air Canada, Alaska, JetBlue, Japan Airlines already subscribed to the service.
In recent years, there seems to be a player who is actively trying to put a wedge in this consolidation. Starlink is yet to present a fully rolled-out solution, but it already has a few customers on the way.
An alternative to that is air-to-ground connectivity offered by such providers as the U.S.-based Gogo. Since it relies on ground-based cellular antennas for coverage, it is not a viable solution for airlines flying over the Atlantic, as LOT does.
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