Deutsche Telekom and mobile satellite service Inmarsat have announced a strategic partnership that will aim to bring unprecedented wi-fi and mobile connectivity to Europes aviation industry and its customers.

A new innovative combined LTE-based ground and satellite network will deliver high-speend in-flight internet access while in the air, with airlines benefiting from a cost efficient, future-proof connectivity solution.

The two firms are working together to develop the European Aviation Network, combining satellite connectivity from Inmarsats new S-band satellite with an LTE-based ground network developed and run by Deutsche Telekom.

Lufthansa will be the first European hub airline to gain access to the connectivity services, with in-flight wi-fi available on board its European flights from early summer 2016. Lufthansa has also committed to a flight trial program of the European Aviation Network from 2017 onwards.

“This bold step will make Deutsche Telekom the first telecommunications operator to take the advantages of LTE technology to the European airspace and fits perfectly into our strategy to become the leading European telco,” said Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom. “As a groundbreaking innovation we will roll out a powerful terrestrial network based on LTE within the European Aviation Network.”

“With this integrated network we can meet the need for capacity, flexibility and quality of service, including the ability to expand quickly to anticipate growth in demand,” said Andy Sukawaty, chairman of Inmarsat. “The integrated satellite and complementary LTE-based ground network will ensure that Inmarsat and Deutsche Telekom together deliver the fastest, best and most consistent in-flight broadband experience that meets the need of airlines in this region.”