United Airlines to offer inflight Wi-Fi on transcontinental flights

CHICAGO – United Airlines will begin offering inflight internet service to customers onboard its p.s. transcontinental service between New York and California starting in the second half of this year.

Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service will turn United’s p.s. aircraft into flying Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling customers to surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message and access corporate VPNs on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The service will be available to United customers traveling in all classes of service for a flat fee of $12.95.

“We are investing in products and services that are most important to our customers, and having Wi-Fi access on board is something that they have told us is key to making their flights more productive and enjoyable,” said Dennis Cary, senior vice president and chief customer officer – United Airlines.

“I can’t think of a better way for Aircell to usher in 2009 as the year of Inflight Internet than by announcing our partnership with United,” said Jack Blumenstein, Aircell president & CEO. “Passengers love Gogo Inflight Internet service and the freedom it gives them to be productive, connected and entertained. Forward-thinking airlines like United are putting the power of Gogo in their passengers’ hands and reaping the revenue and customer loyalty benefits that it brings.”

Gogo will initially be available on the 13 Boeing 757 p.s. aircraft that fly between John F. Kennedy International Airport and California’s two largest airports — Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. United and Aircell will assess customer feedback to determine additional rollout plans.