In-flight web surfing set for take off

German national airline Lufthansa is set to become the first commercial airline to offer its passengers in-flight web surfing, in association with Cisco.

Passengers onboard a Lufthansa Boeing 747 flight from Frankfurt to Washington's Dulles airport will today become the first to try out the pioneering Connexion By Boeing infrastructure which enables users to access the web at speeds of 3Mps downstream and 128Kps upstream.

The service, initially being run as a three-month trial will appeal to passengers flying on business who will be able to remain in constant, real-time contact with their offices, sending and receiving email, as well as being able to surf the web. However, the internet access also offers a fun distraction for those who shun traditional in-flight entertainment such as movies, music and magazines.

Cisco has provided the technology for the onboard network, offering two different connection options. The souped-up 747 boasts Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity throughout all the cabins as well as an Ethernet connection in each of the passenger seats.

Dr Burkard Wigger, project manager for FlyNet at Lufthansa, said: "I am convinced that the broadband internet access will be appreciated by our passengers, as they can use their time on board for information, fun and work."