Japan Airlines (JAL) will begin offering JAL SKY Wi-Fi this summer. The high-speed, wireless Internet service will gradually be introduced onboard JAL's international flights as the airline progressively equips aircraft across its international fleet with the broadband Ku connectivity solution eXConnect by Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic).

With JAL SKY Wi-Fi, customers in every cabin class will be able to send and receive emails, update and navigate their social media networks and browse the World Wide Web utilizing their personal electronic devices such as laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled gadgets. As an alternative in-flight entertainment option, or for getting some work done, customers can now enjoy the convenience of an onboard Wi-Fi environment that is comparable to ground-level broadband Internet access in terms of connection and data-transfer speed.

Applicable Routes

Starting with the installation on a 777-300ER, JAL SKY Wi-Fi will first become available on flights between Tokyo (Narita) and New York (John F. Kennedy) on alternate days from July 15, 2012, and daily from early August. Soon after, JAL expects to deliver its latest service on flights to and from Chicago, Los Angeles and Jakarta by the end of October this year, and London, Paris and Frankfurt by next spring*.

* The service introduction schedule is subject to change.
* The availability of JAL SKY Wi-Fi depends on the aircraft and in the event of aircraft changes, the service may not be available. For the latest updates, please visit www.jal.co.jp/skywifi/ after 6 p.m. the day before departure. 

Charges

The usage fee for JAL SKY Wi-Fi is US$11.95 for the first hour, or US$21.95 for 24 hours upon activation. Customers who purchase 24 hours of usage can continue to enjoy the service within the time limit, on a connecting JAL international flight that has the JAL SKY Wi-Fi system. Fees are payable by credit card only. Payments made by JAL CARD, JAL USA CARD, or the JAL Shanghai Pudong Development Bank credit card are entitled to the special rates of US$10.75 for the first hour and US$19.75 for 24 hours of usage.

Free Trial

From July 15 to September 30, 2012, customers in First and Executive Class on applicable flights are invited to experience JAL SKY Wi-Fi with a complimentary one-hour trial of the new service. Customers interested in the trial are requested to contact their cabin attendant for more information.

Contributed by Japan Airlines