Airlines raise investment in onboard internet connectivity

13 May 2009

AirTran Airways has unveiled plans to equip all of its jets with Wi-Fi access, in a bid to steal a march over rivals in the battle for passengers.

The Orland-based carrier will introduce full inflight internet service across its entire fleet of Boeing 737 and 717 aircraft. All its 136 jets will provide access to internet via Gogo Inflight Internet service, which will be available for a fee based on the length of flight, according to airline.

Internet access on board its planes will cost $9.95 for flights under three hours, $12.95 for flights longer than that and $7.95 for Blackberry/iPhone access.

Delta Air Lines Inc reported Monday that it has completed its project to outfit Gogo Inflight Internet aboard its domestic mainline fleet. The airline charges from $7.95-$12.95 for Wi-Fi access aboard its planes.

Delta is the second busiest carrier at Tampa International Airport, while AirTran ranks in the bottom third in terms of market share among TIA's 25 carriers.

The airline industry has been working on integrating the technology aboard fights with varying degrees of implementation, but AirTran hopes to beat the rest in the race to offer the service on all its flights.