Hicran
August 21, 2009

American Airlines announced expansion plans for their in-flight internet service.

Currently, the airline already has Wi-Fi available on 100 MD-80 series aircraft; two-thirds of the planned 150 Aircell’s Gogo service. Over the next two years, American said that they plan to expand Gogo to half of their fleet.

American’s Gogo internet service started in July 2008. American was the first carrier to launch Gogo service. Soon after, Delta Air Lines followed, along with Air Tran not long after. Last March, Virgin America became the first airline to have fleet wide in-flight internet access.

In-flight service typically consists of food / beverage and entertainment. However over the years, we’ve seen many airlines cut back on both areas; sparked by the drop in passenger levels after 9/11. Some carriers, like US Airways, removed TV monitors from their aircraft to cut down on weight in an attempt to save money.

Today’s traveler bears the popular iPod on flights, cutting the need for in-flight movies. Yes, the days of making money off of passenger’s needing two pronged headsets seem to be over, but with internet, airlines now have a new niche in the in-flight entertainment category.

To use the internet, most airlines make you pay a fee; depending on the distance of the flight, or type of device you plan to use it with (mobile vs. laptop). Some airlines, like Virgin America, have built their in-flight entertainment around their internet – allowing for shopping, music and movie access, and Wi-Fi.