Friday, August 16, 2024 Delta Airlines is spearheading a significant upgrade in passenger experience by introducing high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi across select international long-haul routes, courtesy of a collaboration with T-Mobile. This initiative is a pivotal component of Delta’s commitment to equipping its entire global fleet with free, high-quality internet connectivity that supports streaming. By the close of this summer season, free Wi-Fi is anticipated to be operational on most transatlantic flights.
The launch of this service marks a key phase in Delta’s plan to offer seamless connectivity globally. Starting with long-haul flights equipped with Viasat technology this summer, passengers can access robust, complimentary Wi-Fi, advancing Delta towards its objective of universal free Wi-Fi coverage. Currently, nearly 700 airplanes, over 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet, already offer this enhanced connectivity.
The airline aims to extend this service to the vast majority of its patrons by year’s end. Looking ahead, Delta is methodically deploying free Wi-Fi on Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft, selecting routes based on the availability of reliable service. This deliberate approach reflects the strategy used during its 2022 domestic rollout.
Initially, Delta’s international Wi-Fi service will be accessible without requiring a SkyMiles log-in. Towards the end of the year, all aircraft with Viasat Wi-Fi will transition to Delta Sync Wi-Fi, a personalized service activated through SkyMiles memberships, which offers exclusive in-flight experiences and promotions. “As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers traveling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways,” says Ranjan Goswami, S.
V.P. – Customer Experience Design .
“The scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry, and it’s a testament to the incredible efforts of Delta teams across the business that have expertly navigated an extremely complex rollout.” Recent developments saw the activation of complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi on the majority of flights between France (CDG and NCE) and the U.S.
Rollout Begins On Viasat-Equipped Routes To/From August 2024 United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy September 2024 Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland October 2024 South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) followed by Hawaii December 2024/January 2025 Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal Mid-Late 2025 Transpacific region (including Asia, Australia, and New Zealand) and South Africa Delta plans to expand this service progressively to regional routes by 2025, including those operated by Boeing 717 aircraft. Passengers should be aware that during the transition, some flights might experience gaps in Wi-Fi coverage until additional satellites enhance the network’s reach. Until then, some planes will offer a paid Wi-Fi service through Intelsat until they are upgraded to the new satellite system.
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