AirTran Airways is to offer passengers wireless, broadband internet access on every flight by partnering with Aircell to provide the latter's Gogo Inflight Internet service. The service will be available across AirTran's entire fleet of 136 Boeing 737s and 717s which will be fully outfitted with the system by mid-summer.
"Installing Wi-Fi on every one of our aircraft is another great example of what sets AirTran Airways apart from our competitors," said Bob Fornaro, chairman, president and CEO of AirTran Airways. "Giving business and leisure travellers a consistent, high-quality experience at a low price is a top priority. We feel that Wi-Fi on every flight gives us a distinct competitive advantage over other airlines. Our passengers will know with confidence that no matter which flight they are on, the aeroplane cabin will be their mobile office, social network, online mall or whatever they want it to be."
AirTran Airways passengers will have full internet access including: web, e-mail, instant messaging and access to corporate e-mail and network systems (virtual private networks) – through their Wi-Fi enabled laptops, smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Gogo Inflight Internet will be available for a small fee based on the length of the flight.
"AirTran is known for catering to the needs of its passengers with style. Both its choice and rapid deployment of Gogo Inflight Internet service are testaments to AirTran's long-standing commitment to offer the best inflight experience possible," remarked Jack Blumenstein, president and CEO of Aircell. "Now that Gogo is here and available, passenger demand has taken off, exceeding even our own expectations. We look forward to enabling AirTran to provide the productivity, entertainment, information and social connectivity its passengers want."
Installing Wi-Fi on every AirTran aircraft adds to the current IFE service of XM Satellite Radio.
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