Today is an appropriate day to post a Wi-Fi update as this is the first anniversary of Aircell’s inflight Wi-Fi launch. It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished together. From our announcement last summer, we’ve scoped out 10 different aircraft types and installed the Wi-Fi system on 227 planes.
As of this update Delta has installed Wi-Fi on more than 70% of the domestic mainline fleet. Congrats to everyone at Aircell for what you’ve done in partnership with Delta so far! And looking ahead, it’s going to be an exciting 2010 as we continue the Wi-Fi installations across the remainder of the domestic mainline fleet.
So let’s get into the meat of today’s update…
On the pre-merger Delta side of the airline STC issuance for the 767-300 is scheduled for 8/24. The 737-700 prototype is set for the first half of September. Paperwork and parts for the 757 ETOPS prototype will be ready by 9/25.
On the pre-merger Northwest side of the airline, the design phase for A319 and A320 fleets have been completed. Prototypes go in for mod 10/1 and 10/19, respectively, in MSP. Final Design Review for the B757-300 is scheduled for 8/27 in Itasca with the prototype entering mod 11/1 in MSP. Preliminary Design Review for B757-200 is scheduled for 8/18 in MSP. Critical Design Review for DC9-50 is scheduled for 10/8 in MSP.
Fleet Deets:
MD88: 117 A/C
MD90: 16 A/C
B737-800: 1 A/C (awaiting STC)
B757-200: 92 A/C
B767-300: 1 A/C (awaiting STC)
MD88 Tail Numbers: ALL
MD90 Tail Numbers: ALL
B737-800 Tail Number: 3742
B757-200 Tail Numbers : 602-603, 608-610, 614-615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625-634, 636-641, 644-645, 647-656, 663-674, 676-679, 681, 683-685, 687-699, 6700-6717, 6902, 6904.
B767 Tail Number: 138
I also wanted to share some interesting insight from Forrester Research regarding inflight Internet access.
In 2005, Forrester identified that one-fifth of passengers were interested in accessing the Internet on any flight. In the fourth quarter of 2007, nearly as many passengers — 17% — expressed interest in accessing the Web on a 1-hour flight.
By Q4 2008, amidst one of the deepest recessions in modern America, 22% of travelers said they were interested in accessing the Web on flights of just an hour. Inflight Internet access is as essential to the 21st century airline experience as the beverage cart…that is valued by today’s tech-focused travelers.
What do you think? Do you value inflight Internet access? Is it an essential work tool and/or an entertainment option? We’d love to hear what you think.
Have a great weekend!
Chris B.
Sr. Product Manager
In-Flight Entertainment
