Delta Air Lines announced Monday that it is adding Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi to its entire fleet of 2-class regional jets, totaling 223 aircraft. This is the latest announcement in Delta’s effort to align its regional jet fleet with its mainline product offering. Delta expects to begin installation on its regional fleet in January and complete the project by the end of 2011.
Given the speculation that “take rates” on inflight Wi-Fi aren’t living up to expectations, I was a little surprised by this announcement. Then again, I buy at least PDA access on every flight I’ve flown where its available, and I can’t imagine that I’m the only one that likes having the option of Wi-Fi in flight and uses it pretty religiously.
Inflight Wi-Fi may become an advertiser sponsored medium, or it may really become a money-maker, I can’t pretend to know. What I do know is that this is a notable differentiator for the Delta product. If their stated efforts to address some of the shortcomings of the SkyMiles program come to fruition, this could be a big feather in Delta’s cap, and one that enables them to attract an even greater share of corporate traffic. Time will tell. But right now, Delta is doing a lot of things right. I like this move.
