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LOT Polish Airlines to Launch In-Flight Wi-Fi on Dreamliners This March
LOT Polish Airlines is poised to significantly upgrade its passenger experience by introducing in-flight Wi-Fi on its wide-body aircraft fleet, with the first equipped Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner expected to offer internet access as early as March. This initiative marks a major step for the Polish carrier in modernizing its services and meeting evolving passenger demands.
Phased Rollout of Wi-Fi Across the LOT Fleet
The implementation of in-flight connectivity will occur in stages, prioritizing LOT’s long-haul fleet. The initial aircraft to receive Wi-Fi will be one of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, specifically the SP-LSA registration, which is currently undergoing a technical review and system installation in Rzeszow.
Dreamliner Fleet First to Get Connected
- March Rollout: The first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is scheduled to re-enter service with active Wi-Fi by March, making it the inaugural long-haul LOT aircraft to offer commercially available internet.
- 2026 Target: By the end of 2026, a total of seven of LOT’s larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are planned to be equipped with Wi-Fi. Installations will coincide with routine maintenance checks to minimize disruption.
- 2027 Expansion: The rollout will continue in 2027, extending Wi-Fi to the older Boeing 787-8 models. This phase is more complex, requiring additional structural work, including the installation of antennas and communication system components within the fuselage.
Future Connectivity: Airbus A220s and Boeing 737 MAX 8
Looking ahead, in-flight internet access is also slated to be a standard feature on the new Airbus A220 aircraft joining the LOT fleet. These new planes, expected for delivery around February/March 2027, will be prepared for in-flight internet services from the outset.
However, a final decision regarding Wi-Fi installation on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which primarily operate shorter-range routes, has not yet been made.
Minor Delays from Initial Projections
The current schedule represents a slight adjustment from earlier statements made by the carrier. Several months ago, LOT had initially anticipated the first Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft to be operational by January, with several Dreamliners offering the service by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Despite this minor shift, the overall commitment to enhancing connectivity remains strong.
Pricing and the “Freemium” Model
LOT Polish Airlines has not yet released a definitive pricing structure for its in-flight internet access. The airline has indicated that the service will not be entirely free but is exploring a “freemium” model. This approach typically involves:
- Free Basic Package: A complimentary tier for essential communication, such as messaging and text-based applications.
- Paid Premium Packages: Higher-bandwidth options available for purchase, enabling activities like web browsing, email, and potentially streaming services.
The airline industry is witnessing a growing trend towards next-generation satellite internet, including solutions like Starlink. Many carriers are already implementing free Wi-Fi access for passengers, which could increase competitive pressure on European airlines like LOT in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When will the first LOT plane have Wi-Fi?
- The first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is expected to offer Wi-Fi starting in March.
- Which LOT planes will get Wi-Fi?
- Initially, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, followed by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in 2027. New Airbus A220s will also have it.
- Will Wi-Fi be free on LOT flights?
- LOT is considering a “freemium” model, which means there might be a basic free package for messaging, with paid options for higher-bandwidth activities.
- When will all LOT Dreamliners have Wi-Fi?
- The entire fleet of larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners is expected to have Wi-Fi by the end of 2026, with 787-8 models following in 2027.
Source: Fly4free
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