Alaska Airlines to Offer Gogo Inflight Internet Service

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Feb 24, 2010, 08:03 ET

SEATTLE, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines today announced it will offer Aircell's Gogo® Inflight Internet service on all Alaska's aircraft.

With Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers will be able to browse the Web; access online music, games, podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service will provide passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

"With more than 730 systems already flying, Aircell has a proven track record of deploying affordable inflight Wi-Fi services to airline customers," said Steve Jarvis, Alaska's vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. "Their reliable, lower-cost equipment can be installed quickly, allowing Alaska Airlines to introduce Gogo service to our customers as soon as possible."

Alaska and Aircell are currently working to install the Gogo service on a Boeing 737-800 and will begin testing to secure certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Once Aircell's equipment has been certified for Alaska's 737s, the airline will start outfitting its entire fleet, beginning with its 737-800s serving longer routes.

"Alaska Airlines has a rich history of leveraging innovative technologies to create the best possible customer experience," said Michael Small, Aircell's president and chief executive officer. "We are proud they have selected the Gogo service to offer their customers a choice in how they spend their time while traveling. The ability to surf the Net and send e-mail will enhance the inflight experience for Alaska Airlines' passengers."

The Gogo system, currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states, will be offered to customers at a cost of $4.95 and up, based on length of flight and device used. To ensure the service is available to the airline's namesake state, Aircell will expand its network to provide Gogo Inflight Internet service on flights to, from and between key destinations in the state of Alaska.

Last year Alaska Airlines successfully tested a satellite-based inflight Wi-Fi service offered by Row 44. However, the airline ultimately chose Aircell's Gogo service to speed fleet-wide installation and Wi-Fi availability for customers.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM). For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

About Aircell®

Aircell® is the world's leading provider of airborne communications. As the winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colo., and Itasca, Ill. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines