Lufthansa Technik is to start installing Ka-band satellite communication technology on board of several VIP aircraft, starting in early 2016. 

The new technology will enable VIP passengers to use the full spectrum of aircraft cabin applications, like e-mail, internet, access to VPN networks, voice capabilities, video conferencing, cloud computing or e-commerce.

The German-headquartered aviation giant revealed the news as the Dubai Airshow entered its second day.

Ka-band technology is the answer to the continuously increasing demands on high-performance in-flight connectivity and outperforms current technologies by speed, bandwidth and coverage, Lufthansa Technik points out.

Based on the VIP customers' aircraft types, Lufthansa Technik will hold STCs (supplemental type certificates) for the Airbus A330/A340 family and the Boeing 737. Lufthansa Technik’s aircraft base maintenance division will install the Ka-band technology on the Lufthansa A320 family fleet in summer 2016 and will hold the STC for this aircraft type, too.

"Lufthansa Technik has always been a pioneer of integrating state-of-the-art technology on board. Permanent and quick internet connection has become one of the "must-have" topics on board of commercial and especially of VIP aircraft," says Christian Reck, Head of Customer Service and Government Programs in Lufthansa Technik's VIP & Executive Jet Solutions Division. 

"Having equipped all planes of the Lufthansa intercontinental fleet with the successful FlyNet system and many VIP aircraft with similar communication technologies, we are now further developing our portfolio by installing the fastest internet connection which is currently available on the market."

Future customers will profit from Lufthansa Technik's existing STCs, too, as engineering lead-times and engineering costs will be reduced, because antenna type and installation position on the aircraft will be the same. Lufthansa Technik will integrate all systems and components into the VIP aircraft. 

The Lufthansa Technik Group, with more than 30 subsidiaries and associates and over 26,000 employees worldwide, is one of the leading manufacturer-independent providers of technical services for the aviation industry. Its portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of services for commercial aircraft: maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and conversion, engines and components.

The 2015 Dubai Airshow runs until November 12 at a purpose-built site in Dubai South, where Al Maktoum International Airport is also located.  

Lufthansa Technik can be seen at the Dubai Airshow at Stand 1234.