Hello everyone…I apologize that it’s been so long since my last comprehensive Wi-Fi update. I’ve been doing a lot of traveling for work lately and a lot of the Wi-Fi activity has been focused on pre-installation activities. But things have picked up again and we’ve got a ton of cool stuff to share…

As of this update Delta has installed Wi-Fi on more than 51% of the combined (pre-merger Delta + Northwest) domestic mainline fleet, which is a total of 269 out of 520 planes. We’ve completed the MD88 and MD90 fleets and have recently ramped up installations across the 757-200 and 737-800 fleets. Engineering teams are on track to cross the 300 aircraft mark by the end of 2009.

Over the past month we’ve also installed Wi-Fi on three additional aircraft types…the A319, A320 and 757-300. We’re still awaiting the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for these three types but expect them to be operational in December.

The really BIG news, however, is that we’re teaming up with eBay to provide complimentary access to every customer on every Wi-Fi-enabled flight from Nov. 24-30. It’s a win-win-win partnership in that our customers get free access, eBay is able to reach an entirely new audience and we’re able to build awareness about the Wi-Fi product via a new channel.

In fact, we expect more than 1 million customers will be able to benefit from the promotion during Thanksgiving week (just enter the promo code EBAYWIFI). That’s a lot of people doing their holiday shopping on eBay, sending instant messages and updating Facebook…all while 7 miles up and speeding through the sky at 530 mph!

Given the amount of engineering and scheduling work that’s gone into scoping and installing Wi-Fi on 9 different aircraft types and nearly 300 planes, it’s pretty amazing that in less than one year we’ve gone from zero planes with Wi-Fi to the world’s largest Wi-Fi-enabled fleet and the most expansive Wi-Fi network in the sky…and that’s all due to the outstanding work of our Engineering teams and partners at Aircell.

I’d love to hear your feedback about your Wi-Fi experiences on Delta. I’ll be traveling during over the holidays (NRT-SGN-BKK-SIN-MNL) but will post the next update during the first week of December. Until then, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

MD88: 117 A/C (All)

M90: 16 A/C (All)

B737-700: 1 A/C

B737-800: 24 A/C

B757: 103 A/C

B753: 1 A/C (Awaiting STC)

B767: 5 A/C

A319: 1 A/C (Awaiting STC)

A320: 1 A/C (Awaiting STC)

Chris B., Sr Product Manager, IFE

*Offers subject to change. Use of the Gogo service is subject to terms of use available at gogoinflight.com.

We’re excited to finally announce that all 7 of the 767-400ERs scheduled for modification to these new flat bed seats are complete and flying! The 76D model flies all our LHR routes – which means that you can depend on it today to/from ATL, DTW and JFK. MSP-LHR starts tomorrow, September 1st. Plus, it’s also flying between JFK – VCE in September.

The initial feedback we’ve received from customers regarding the seat has been overwhelmingly positive. Most importantly, it’s flat, and that’s the best way to sleep. Beyond that, there are no gymnastics required to get to the aisle. Every seat has direct aisle access, which is a real plus especially when everyone is sleeping. If you’re taller than average, be sure to go for a window seat with an extended console, as they provide a whopping 82” in bed length.

We recognize that the tray-table is challenging to get out and put away. Look for the tray-table instruction card, which should be in the seat-pocket in front of you. For the future, Delta is working with the seat’s manufacturer and another outside engineering firm to build an updated and more intuitive table. The challenge is (look closely when you fly) that we have very little space to work with.

Thanks for flying and please let us know what feedback you have!

p.s. If you like flying on a flat bed, be sure to also try out Delta’s 777-200LR. It flies the really long flights – like between ATL – BOM, DXB, JNB, PVG, TLV and our newest route – LAX - SYD

MSP completed the first 757 Flight Deck Harmonization. Ship 5501 had its ACARS and other flight deck components standardized to communicate with ground-based equipment on both sides of the airline. All red-tail 757’s will be standardized by 31DEC09.

Soft Goods began cranking away with the change to the schedule on 18AUG. There will be 2 stand-alone lines and a paint line all receiving various interior work. We currently stand at 47 A/C (19%) complete for fully finished Soft good aircraft. Additionally, 80% of the fleet have the new Passenger Service Information Card (PSIC).

For 738 Winglets, there are now (50) A/C flying. The remaining aircraft are being evaluated for further opportunity, but the fleet is tracking more towards an EOY 2010 completion at this point.

TechOps is additionally preparing for the arrival of two new aircraft into the fleet. Ship 3608, a 737-700, is scheduled to deliver on 10SEP09 (in roughly 3 weeks). In Service will be a week or so after that. 3609 is tentatively scheduled to deliver in September as well.

Finally, (290) aircraft are currently painted in the new livery of the combined fleet. This represents approximately 43% of the end-state fleet.

Mike Kotas
Fleet Programs