Lufthansa German Airlines on Tuesday said it has began testing the BoardConnect in-flight entertainment system from Lufthansa Systems on an Airbus A320 stationed in Munich.
   The Lufthansa Systems system will enable passengers in business and economy class on flights from Munich to 34 short- and medium-haul destinations to watch movies, read digital newspapers and look up information about their destinations. The service is available via laptop, tablet computer or smartphones which can connect to the on-board infotainment server. “Airlines can leverage the BoardConnect technology to distinguish themselves clearly from their competition also on shorter routes,” said Norbert Müller, program manager, BoardConnect, at Lufthansa Systems.
   “By offering a wide range of information and entertainment for their passengers, airlines are setting new service standards.” BoardConnect works with a regular WLAN based on the established standard, meaning that just a few access points need to be installed in the cabin. This makes it possible for the first time to offer passengers on short- and medium-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing 737 an extensive range of information and entertainment, the company said. Airlines can install BoardConnect during routine maintenance or night stops without the need for additional ground time.