Delta to install Wi-Fi on all US flights

Delta has said it is going to install Wi-Fi on all 330 of its aircraft for all US domestic flights.

The service will begin this autumn on part of the fleet and the rollout will be completed by 2009. The company will charge a flat fee of $9.95 on flights of three hours or less and $12.95 on flights of more than three hours.

Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer, said: "Our customers asked for in-flight connectivity and we're responding by rolling out the most extensive Wi-Fi network in the sky. Beginning this fall, our passengers will have the ability to stay connected when they travel with us throughout the continental US."

The system, dubbed Gogo, is being installed by Aircell. It uses a network of 92 towers spaced across the United States that send high speed data streams to aircraft in flight.

Speeds are variable depending on the number of users and the altitude and speed of the aircraft, but can reach 1Mbps.

"The advent of Air-To-Ground (ATG) technology has made broadband connectivity in the cabin economically viable for the first time for commercial airlines," said Jack Blumenstein, president of Aircell.

"The game has changed and Delta will be among the first to provide an enhanced customer experience with broadband Wi-Fi access on more than 1,000 daily flights within the US."