Delta is rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi on UK-US routes, describing the move as “a major milestone” in the airline’s bid to bring connectivity to its entire global fleet for free.
The Wi-Fi service, presented by T-Mobile, is being introduced on Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft on a route-by-route basis.
Most transatlantic flights are expected to be in service by the end of the summer.
The free Wi-Fi rolled out on most flights to and from France last month and is being added to UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy routes in August.
Free, streaming-quality connectivity is currently available on nearly 700 aircraft – more than 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet – and the airline expects the vast majority of customers will have access to the product by the end of the year.
Ranjan Goswami, customer experience design senior vice-president, said: “As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers travelling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways.
“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.”
As free Wi-Fi rolls out internationally, the international Wi-Fi portal will not require a SkyMiles log-in initially.
Later this year, all Viasat Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft will officially convert to the personalised Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience unlocked by customers’ SkyMiles memberships for exclusive onboard experiences and offers.
During the transition period, there are some coverage gaps where Wi-Fi is not available until additional satellites are positioned to provide full coverage.
Some aircraft will have a paid Intelsat Wi-Fi offering until these additional satellites are in service.