Delta to Offer Wi-Fi Streaming Entertainment Options on 950 Aircraft

Delta Air Lines is adding new, on-demand entertainment options to its fleet of more than 950 two-class Delta and Delta Connection aircraft, the world’s largest fleet of Wi-Fi equipped planes.

The Delta Connect Wi-Fi portal will allow customers to stream television and movie options directly to their laptops or tablets while in flight.

By 2015, Delta Air Lines expects to have approximately 1,000 aircraft equipped to offer Gogo Inflight Internet service via W-Fi, provided by its service partner Gogo. Among the aircraft equipped will be more than 150 long-haul international aircraft, which will offer Wi-Fi-enabled Inflight service via Ku-Band satellites

Streamed content will be accessible for 24 hours after a flight and available for playback on the ground through the same device used onboard. All 800 of Delta’s two-class domestic aircraft will be equipped with this new on-demand technology by the end of 2013.

This new technology will be installed on Delta’s international fleet in conjunction with previously announced plans to install international in-flight Wi-Fi service on more than 150 widebody aircraft, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.

This will allow customers to use their personal devices to stream movies and television shows, as well as current in-seat systems, according to Delta Air Lines.

“Delta continues to innovate through the use of technology and this newest addition means customers can count on having numerous in-flight entertainment choices available, whether they’re flying internationally or domestically,” says Tim Mapes, Delta’s senior vice president – marketing.

In its merger with Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines inherited large fleets of several types of aircraft. Among them were 69 Airbus A320s and 57 A319s

When installations are complete, customers will have access to on-demand in-flight entertainment options on more than 350 additional domestic Delta aircraft.

Introductory prices will range from $0.99 per show for television programming to $3.99 for full-length movies from major Hollywood studios.

Delta Connect will enable customers to sort titles by genre, length of feature, movie, show and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to rental. Wi-Fi purchase is not required to access Delta Connect content or the on-demand service.

The airline also has begun to upgrade to Gogo’s ATG-4 connectivity solution on its entire domestic fleet of Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft, enhancing the existing air-to-ground network and improving capacity. As a result, says Delta, customers will experience improved connectivity when they travel on Delta and sign on to the Gogo network.