Delta Launches Expanded In-Flight Wi-Fi, Entertainment on Demand Options

Delta Connect will offer free entertainment, shopping options and travel information

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Oct 05, 2011, 10:00 ET

ATLANTA, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today launched new in-flight entertainment options for customers as part of its $2 billion investment in the flying experience.

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The additions include Delta Connect, a new in-flight portal that will be available exclusively to all customers using Wi-Fi on Delta aircraft; wireless movies and television on demand on Boeing 757-300 aircraft; and a more user-friendly design for Airbus A330 in-flight entertainment systems that include more content choices.

"Customer demand is evolving every day and Delta is ahead of the game, delivering on customer preferences as it relates to technology and innovation," said Bob Kupbens, Delta's vice president – eCommerce. "Whether through our mobile apps, Wi-Fi on soon to be more than 800 aircraft or a more comprehensive and customer-friendly delta.com experience, Delta is delivering."

Delta Connect

Delta Connect is a new in-flight Wi-Fi portal developed jointly by Delta and its on-board wireless provider Gogo. It will offer an expanded range of free content for Delta customers such as more choices for entertainment and shopping as well as flight and destination information.

Delta Connect partners include Gilt.com and OpenTable.com. Customers will also have free access to partners that provide information on destination oriented concerts, festivals and events as well as news and entertainment.

Entertainment on Demand

At the same time Delta is launching a new feature through on-board Wi-Fi: entertainment on demand. Beginning today, entertainment on demand will be available on all 16 of Delta's Boeing 757-300 aircraft. Choices will include an introductory price for television programming starting at $.99 and movies available for $3.99 from major Hollywood studios. Customers can sort titles by genre, length of feature, movie or show and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to rental.

The programming also offers an added benefit. Rentals will remain accessible on the customer's personal device for viewing after landing for at least 24 hours after their flight. Unexpired content will be available for playback on the ground by using the same device and browser used onboard.

A Gogo Wi-Fi purchase is not required to access Delta Connect content or the video service. Entertainment on demand will be available for laptops and expanded to tablet and mobile devices by early 2012 on 757-300s.

Airbus A330 In-Flight Entertainment Upgrades

Customers flying on Delta's total fleet of 32 Airbus A330 aircraft will experience a redesigned in-flight entertainment experience with more entertainment choices by the end of 2011. The improved in-flight entertainment system will expand to the rest of Delta's fleet of nearly 300 aircraft equipped with personal in-flight entertainment by mid-2012.

The new system includes offers easier navigation, 150 percent more movies and more television, music and games offerings. A new feature includes a Delta Sky Kids section that offers family-friendly content designed with young travelers in mind.

Delta began installing Wi-Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for in-flight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With its mainline aircraft and the recent addition of regional jets to the Wi-Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta's entire domestic fleet will feature Gogo in-flight Internet access by early 2012. Customers can stay connected using Gogo In-flight Internet with free access to delta.com or Delta's mobile applications.

The Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment enhancements are the latest in Delta's previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013. In addition to installing Wi-Fi and upgrading its domestic fleet, Delta will offer full flat-bed seats on more than 140 widebody aircraft, the enhancements also include personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all widebody flights and n terminal facilities for international customers at its two largest global gateways – Atlanta and New York-JFK.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World's Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 338 destinations in 59 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

Terms and Conditions

Additional restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change. Use of the Gogo Inflight Internet service is subject to terms of use available at gogoinflight.com. Regional jet aircraft featuring Gogo In-Flight Internet service include Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models operated by Delta Connection carriers.

SOURCE Delta Air Lines