Delta to Offer Streaming Entertainment Options on 950 Wi-Fi-Equipped Aircraft

Television and movie library will be available on all two-class domestic and international aircraft

Delta to upgrade existing Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft to next generation connectivity technology

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Sep 19, 2012, 12:06 ET

ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is adding new, on-demand entertainment options to its fleet of more than 950 two-class Delta and Delta Connection aircraft, the world's largest fleet of Wi-Fi equipped planes.

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The Delta Connect Wi-Fi portal will allow customers to stream television and movie options directly to their laptop or tablet while in flight. Streamed content will be accessible for 24 hours after a flight and available for playback on the ground through the same device used onboard. All 800 of Delta's two-class domestic aircraft will be equipped with this new on-demand technology by the end of 2013.

This new technology will be installed on Delta's international fleet in conjunction with previously announced plans to install international Wi-Fi service on more than 150 widebody aircraft, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015. This will allow customers to use both their personal device to stream movies and television shows, as well as current in-seat systems.

"Delta continues to innovate through the use of technology and this newest addition means customers can count on having numerous in-flight entertainment choices available, whether they're flying internationally or domestically," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president – Marketing. "Bringing this technology to our Wi-Fi enabled fleet is just the latest way we are making flying better for Delta customers."

When installations are complete, customers will have access to on-demand in-flight entertainment options on more than 350 additional domestic Delta aircraft.

Introductory prices will range from $.99 per show for television programming to $3.99 for full-length movies from major Hollywood studios. Delta Connect will enable customers to sort titles by genre, length of feature, movie, show and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to rental. Wi-Fi purchase is not required to access Delta Connect content or the on-demand service.

Delta also has begun to upgrade to Gogo's ATG-4 connectivity solution on its entire domestic fleet of Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft, enhancing the existing air-to-ground network and improving capacity. As a result, customers will experience improved connectivity when they travel on Delta and sign on to the Gogo network.

The expansion of Delta's in-flight entertainment is the latest in the airline's more than $3 billion investment in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013. In addition Wi-Fi entertainment on demand, Delta recently announced that it will add recharging stations at more airports, has added more First Class seats and in-flight entertainment to its domestic product; offering full flat-bed BusinessElite seats with direct aisle access on its entire international widebody fleet; recently completed the system-wide roll-out of Economy Comfort on all two-class aircraft; adding personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all long-haul international flights; updating Delta Sky Clubs throughout the system; and upgrading new terminal facilities for international customers at its two largest global gateways – the new international terminal in Atlanta now open and the expanded international terminal opening next May at New York-JFK.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. During the past year, Delta was named domestic "Airline of the Year" by the readers of Travel Weekly magazine, was named the "Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline" by PCWorld magazine for its innovation in technology, won the Business Travel News Annual Airline Survey and was the recipient of 12 Executive Travel Magazine Leading Edge Awards for U.S. airlines. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to nearly 320 destinations in 60 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-LaGuardia, 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 $3 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.