Delta Air Lines is nearing completion of a massive retrofit of its mainline domestic fleet with Aircell's air-to-ground (ATG)-based Gogo in-flight Internet system.
Some 527 of 549 Delta aircraft have already been equipped with Gogo, and the carrier and Aircell "anticipate being done this fall", says an Aircell spokeswoman.
While Delta has been focused on equipping its domestic mainline fleet with Gogo, the carrier has emerged as the most likely first mover in offering in-flight Internet on its larger regional jets.
Delta vice-president of network and revenue management Glen Hauenstein says the carrier is seriously considering such a proposition.
Fellow Gogo customer United Airlines it also considering offering Wi-Fi and installing power ports on its larger regional jets, but has not determined a timeframe for finalising a decision.
Aircell, meanwhile, announced today that it has installed Gogo on its 1,000th aircraft, a Delta DC-9 connecting from Detroit.
Gogo in-flight Internet is now available on more than 3,800 flights daily, up from just 2,100 at this time last year. Roughly one-third of all US mainline domestic aircraft now offer Gogo, notes the Chicago-headquartered firm.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
