Discover Airlines is set to become the first carrier within the Lufthansa Group to install Panasonic Avionics’ multi-orbit antennas on its long-haul aircraft, a move that promises to revolutionize in-flight connectivity. The airline will begin rolling out this advanced technology later this autumn, offering passengers wifi speeds of up to 200 Mbps, comparable to ground-based 5G networks.
Panasonic Avionics’ multi-orbit technology combines the connectivity of traditional geostationary satellites with Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network. This innovation promises to deliver faster internet speeds and lower latency, enhancing the passenger experience on long-haul flights.
Improved In-Flight Connectivity
Currently, Discover Airlines offers Lufthansa’s FlyNet wifi on most of its aircraft. The airline has stated that the specific pricing for the new Panasonic Avionics technology is still being finalized but will remain “in line” with the current FlyNet offerings. This new service comes shortly after the airline’s announcement that it will provide free inflight messaging to all passengers starting this summer, following a similar initiative by Lufthansa.
Fleet and Expansion Plans
Launched in 2021 as Eurowings Discover, Discover Airlines was rebranded in 2023 to reflect its evolving identity in the post-pandemic travel landscape. The airline operates long-haul routes to destinations including Bridgetown, Halifax, Montego Bay, Cancun, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Philadelphia.
Looking toward the future, Discover Airlines has revealed plans to expand its fleet to 33 aircraft by mid-2027. The airline also aims to undertake a comprehensive renewal of its seating products on A330 aircraft, which will include the introduction of a new All Aisle Access business class.
Panasonic Avionics Partnership
John Wade, Vice President of Connectivity at Panasonic Avionics, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with Discover Airlines as one of our first multi-orbit customers and to offer their guests this exceptional connectivity experience,” he said. “Our multi-orbit network has been extensively tested, and we are confident it will be a popular choice for airlines in the future.”
As Discover Airlines continues to innovate its in-flight offerings, the introduction of Panasonic Avionics’ multi-orbit technology marks a significant step forward in enhancing the airline’s passenger experience.
