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Wi-Fi coming to 50 US Airways planes next year
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Published: July 24, 2009
CHARLOTTE - US Airways fliers will soon be able to surf the Web while in the sky.
Starting in 2010, the airline will partner with Aircell, a company that specializes in airplane communication technology, to provide Wi-Fi access to customers who pay for it, US Airways announced Wednesday.
The in-flight Internet service will be installed on all 50 of the airline's Airbus A321 aircraft by early 2010, part of the company's fleet of 351 mainline planes, and it could be expanded to other planes after that.
The service will offer Web access, instant messaging and e-mail services to passengers with laptops, smart phones and other handheld devices. Charlotte is US Airways' largest hub.
US Airways spokeswoman Melissa Mohr said the company is tapping into society's desire to stay connected.
"It has been something that customers have expressed some interest in, given the way society is going with smart phones and things," Mohr said. "It's something customers want and value, which is why we're responding to that need."
Pricing for the Wi-Fi service will range from $5.95 to $12.95 per trip, depending on the length of the trip and the type of device the passenger wants to use to access the Internet.
Five other major U.S. airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi service: AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Virgin America, according to data from the Air Travelers Association, an industry group based in Washington.
"It allows people to continue what they're doing on the ground -- that is, stay connected," said David Stempler, president of the association. Stempler said in-flight Internet has only been available in the United States for almost two years.
American Airlines was the first U.S. carrier to offer the in-flight service, in January 2008.
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