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Delta: We're 'first in the world' to add Wi-Fi to regional jets
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Delta Air Lines has begun adding Wi-Fi to its fleet of regional jets, a move it says makes it "the first airline in the world to provide in-flight internet service onboard its regional aircraft."Delta launched the effort Wednesday on Delta Connection Flight 5365, the first "RJ" in the Delta fleet to fly with Wi-Fi capability. The Bombardier CRJ700 operating the flight left from Atlanta for Omaha before eventually making stops in Des Moines and White Plains, N.Y. (both via Atlanta).
PHOTO GALLERY: The fleet and hubs of Delta
Delta already offers in-flight Wi-Fi on all of the 550-plus jets in its mainline fleet and says the move to add it to regional jets will tack on another 250 aircraft to that figure.
Still, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes "not all of Delta's regional aircraft will get Wi-Fi." Only regional jets with first class will get the upgrade, according to Delta. RJs that offer only coach-class seating will not.
Delta says in a press release that "Delta Connection aircraft featuring First Class cabins include Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models operated by Delta Connection. The aircraft feature between nine and 12 seats in First Class and between 56 and 64 seats in Economy."
On that note, the carrier says the Wi-Fi upgrades are part of broader effort "to fully align service on Delta Connection and mainline flights. Recent improvements have included adding First Class cabins to 82 additional CRJ700 jets; introducing meal service in First Class on regional jets; and adding china, linen and silverware to Delta Connection First Class cabins."
FlightGlobal.com writes "the installation of onboard Wi-Fi on Delta's regional jets will be complete by early 2012. By then, more than 80% of Delta's entire domestic fleet will feature Gogo in-flight Internet, said the airline."
And, on its corporate blog, Delta offers this "cool factoid":With today's introduction of Wi-Fi service aboard a CRJ700 (operated by our friends at ASA), Delta now features the world's smallest (65-seat CRJ700) and largest (261-seat B767-300) aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi … .NEW BOOKMARK: Add Today in the Sky to your favorites
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