American Airlines Now Offers Satellite Wi-Fi Access Throughout Its Main Fleet – TechCrunch



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American Airlines, the largest airline in the world in terms of fleet and passenger traffic, has finished deploying Wi-Fi broadband satellite to its entire fleet of main line aircraft with more than 700 aircraft (namely Boing 737 and Airbus A319 and 320). the internal routes of the company). All these satellite-equipped planes also offer access to 12 free live TV channels that you can broadcast on your personal device, including on international flights where this was not traditionally an option.

Unless you sit comfortably in business class and sip your champagne before departure, traveling by plane is not really a fun or relaxing experience, whatever the reason for your trip. However, if you need to work on a flight, access to a fast and reliable Wi-Fi network can often make a huge difference.

Today's announcement follows an announcement similar to last year, after the airline completed the same system for its entire fleet of wide-body aircraft. However, at the same time last year, the American had brought this system to only 13% of its narrow-body aircraft.

One thing to note is that I understand correctly that American does not count some of his oldest MD-83s in this count. These will never benefit from a Wi-Fi upgrade because they are currently being removed for more modern jets.

As for the technology that governs all of this, American Airlines is banking on satellite systems using either Gogo 2Ku or ViaSat Ka. Unlike some of the previous ground systems, satellite systems have the obvious advantage of providing a wider coverage area (including over oceans) and more consistent connectivity. These new satellite systems also allow much faster connections. Among the US competitors, Delta is currently upgrading most of its fleet and now uses satellite systems, while the situation at United remains a little complicated.

"Improving the travel experience is one of our main goals at American We have worked hard to provide our customers with the same level of entertainment and connectivity options as in their own living room, "said Kurt Stache, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Retention and Sales for American. "In less than two years, we have completed the installation of broadband Internet across our core line fleet and will continue to set new standards in the industry to show our customers that we value the time spent with us. "

Soon, American will also be offering power outlets to every seat of its main fleet as well as its regional two-class fleet. Since American, like most of its competitors, also removes most of its in-seat entertainment systems for personal entertainment streaming on your phone or tablet, it now offers tablet holders. to most of his vehicles, such as good.

Unlike some of its competitors, American does not offer free Wi-Fi access to chat apps – or even free Wi-Fi in general. However, if you are an American Loyalist, you will be pleased to see that the airline now offers a consistent Wi-Fi product that is clearly an advance over some of the legacy systems still used by some of the other carriers. .

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