Delta Air Lines is increasing its commitment to GoGo’s latest inflight internet technology, making gate to gate internet access available on more aircraft. GoGo’s 2Ku internet provides uninterrupted coverage just about everywhere, worldwide. It also offers better bandwidth and speed than GoGo’s older ATG technology, and will even feature video streaming.
Beginning this summer, Delta passengers will be able to use Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment from gate to gate on 2Ku-enabled aircraft. Better yet, later this year Delta will offer guests the ability to watch live TV from their own devices on aircraft equipped with 2Ku internet.
According to Delta, “2Ku installation has already started on Delta’s Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A319 fleets, and additional fleets will be retrofitted with the new system. By the end of 2016, Delta will operate more than 35 aircraft with 2Ku, which offers reduced drag and fuel burn compared to other Wi-Fi systems. 2Ku is next-generation technology that uses dual Ku-band satellite antennas – one receiver for the upward link to the aircraft, and the other for the downward, return link to the ground.”
The airline has completed installation of Ku-band satellite Wi-Fi on almost all of it’s wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 747, 767, 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft and long-haul Boeing 757s. 2Ku service will be offered on Delta’s newest Airbus A350-900 and A330-900Neo jets when they enter service in 2017 and 2019.
My Take
Delta has done a good job of focusing on the passenger experience and its dedication to inflight wi-fi is a key part of that. Those of us that fly relatively often and use GoGo know that as uptake rates have increased, GoGo’s original technology, that Delta adapted early, has struggled. It’s good to see Delta invest in more advanced inflight internet technology.
Great news but did you notice the snails pace this will take. Only 35 birds by the END, again END, of 2016. It will be fun to go from say a 1 hour flight with FAST Gogo then a 4 hour one with SlowGo for a few years. 🙁