Delta Air Lines announced today in a press release that it will soon start rolling out broadband Wi-Fi access for its entire domestic mainline fleet of more than 330 planes. The access, which is provided courtesy of a partnership with Aircell, will cost $9.95 on flights of three hours or less and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours. The first planes to have access will be Delta"s 133 MD88/90 planes, with coverage expanding to the rest of the fleet early next year.
"Delta remains committed to providing a travel experience that maximizes the time our customers spend with us onboard by offering them even more productivity options...Beginning this fall, our passengers will have the ability to stay connected when they travel with us throughout the continental United States," said Richard Anderson, Delta"s chief executive officer.
The move comes after American Airlines began demoing its own in-flight internet access last month; Virgin American, JetBlue, and US Airways also have announced similar plans. However, Delta, who"s pricing mirrors that of American"s, is clearly pursuing the most aggressive rollout policy of the four companies involved: American only expects to have Wi-Fi in 15 domestic planes, and JetBlue has yet to announce any widespread plans.