United Airlines to Add Transcontinental In-flight Wi-Fi

February 27, 2009

By Mike Peters

United Airlines will begin offering in-flight Internet service to customers onboard its transcontinental service between New York and California starting in the second half of this year. Aircell's Gogo In-flight Internet service will turn selected United aircraft into flying Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling customers to surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, and access corporate VPNs on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The service will be available to United customers traveling in all classes of service for a flat fee of $12.95.

United Airlines Aircraft to be Flying Wi-Fi Hotspots

"We are investing in products and services that are most important to our customers, and having Wi-Fi access on board is something that they have told us is key to making their flights more productive and enjoyable," said Dennis Cary, senior vice president and chief customer officer for United Airlines.

"I can't think of a better way for Aircell to usher in 2009 as the year of in-flight Internet than by announcing our partnership with United," said Jack Blumenstein, Aircell president and CEO. "Passengers love Gogo in-flight Internet service and the freedom it gives them to be productive, connected, and entertained. Forward-thinking airlines like United are putting the power of Gogo in their passengers' hands."

In-flight Wi-Fi to be Available on United Airlines Flights from New York to California

Gogo will initially be available on the 13 Boeing 757 aircraft that fly between John F. Kennedy International Airport and California's two largest airports - Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. United and Aircell will assess customer feedback to determine additional rollout plans.