The Channel Wire

August 05, 2008

Getting offline for even three or four hours just became a little more difficult for IM, email and Internet junkies. Delta Airlines said this week that it will begin rolling out Wi-Fi access on its entire domestic fleet by the middle of next year. The number three airline in the country is pairing with Aircell, an airborne communications provider, to provide uptime connectivity across its entire 330 aircraft fleet with a service called Gogo.

Delta will begin rolling out Gogo this year, although to a very limited number of flights, with a goal of equipping all of its planes by the middle of 2009. Laptops, PDAs and other smart devices aren't just for watching DVDs of TV shows or to be stowed in the overhead compartment -- now travelers can get irate emails from colleagues at 40,000 feet.

Gogo from Aircell, in essence, turns the entire craft into a wireless hotspot. The hardware to get broadband capabilities up and running can be installed into an airplane during an overnight stay. But while Aircell claims the technology is quick to deploy, Delta plans on taking its time rolling it out.

Beginning with the 133 MD/90 aircraft, which is the most common in Delta's fleet, the Wi-Fi capability will eventually be placed in all the jets the company operates, Boeing 373, 757 and 767-300.

Initial plans for the broadband service have it only being installed on domestic flights. Gogo will be available for customers to purchase for a flat fee of $9.95 on flights of three hours or less and $12.95 on longer flights.