EL AL Israel Airlines announced it officially launched its new fast, reliable commercial in-flight Wi-Fi service, powered by global communications company, Viasat. EL AL INFLIGHT

EL AL was Viasat’s European launch customer. Since first announcing their relationship, both companies undertook broad market studies focused on in-flight Wi-Fi passenger demand, engagement and service offerings, including a customer beta phase to determine internet package types. EL AL also began to re-energize its fleet taking on new Boeing 787 Dreamliners—a recent addition to Viasat’s certified platforms.

The carrier said that 128 devices were connected on the inaugural service, with more than half of passengers filming and streaming videos on services including Facebook Live.

The new EL AL INFLIGHT service is being offered in three packages:

• Basic – enabling passengers to use instant messaging applications and access emails. This package is free on international flights between Europe and North America, during an initial launch period until the fourth quarter of 2018
• Social – allowing the streaming of short videos up to three minutes in length, and costing $9.99 per flight, with discounted rates for Matmid Frequent Flyers and Flycard holders
• Business – allowing the streaming of movies and music, as well as VPN access, and costing £19.99 per flight, again with discounted rates for Matmid Frequent Flyers and Flycard holders

Commenting on the launch Nimrod Borovitz, director, strategy and business development at EL AL Israel Airlines:

“Israeli passengers want to keep up-to-date and connected in real-time even when in the air. We invested in the most advanced in-flight wifi product from Viasat so that we could best respond to our customers’ interests, from surfing sites, connecting to emails, using apps, viewing social-media networks, listening to music and streaming movies and live sports during flights. EL AL chose Viasat’s in-flight Wi-Fi system because they had the most advanced product.”