Delta Air Lines Launches Free High-Speed WiFi on Select International Flights
Delta Air Lines has begun rolling out complimentary high-speed WiFi on select international flights, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers. This move comes as part of the airline’s broader effort to equip its long-haul aircraft with advanced internet connectivity, made possible through a partnership with global communications company ViaSat.
Currently, Delta offers free streaming-quality WiFi on nearly 700 aircraft, covering over 90% of its domestic fleet. The Atlanta-based carrier is now extending this service to its international fleet, with plans to eventually offer free WiFi across its entire network.
According to Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design, the pace at which the airline is implementing this service is unprecedented in the industry. He emphasized that Delta's rapid rollout of free WiFi sets a new standard in aviation, allowing the airline to serve both domestic and international customers in innovative, real-time ways.
Delta is introducing this service on its widebody aircraft on a "route-by-route basis," with a focus on increasing availability as more aircraft are equipped. Already, the airline has deployed fast, free WiFi on the majority of its flights to and from Paris and Nice, France. By the end of this month, Delta aims to expand this service to routes connecting the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The rollout will continue throughout 2024, with regions such as South America, Hawaii, and parts of Europe being added, and will culminate in 2025 with the introduction of WiFi on transpacific routes, including Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In addition to its widebody aircraft, Delta plans to equip its regional aircraft and aging Boeing 717s with free internet connectivity next year. Aircraft already outfitted with ViaSat WiFi will be upgraded to the Delta Sync WiFi experience later this year, offering a more personalized service for SkyMiles members.
This development is supported by ViaSat's new VS3 F1 Satellite, which recently entered commercial service. This satellite represents the latest advancement in ViaSat’s high-speed technology, providing enhanced connectivity for aviation customers, particularly on routes between the US mainland and Hawaii. While the transition to the new WiFi service is underway, Delta has acknowledged that there may be temporary gaps in coverage due to satellite availability. Additionally, some flights may still require paid WiFi until the full satellite network is operational.
ViaSat’s Vice President and General Manager, Don Buchman, expressed excitement about the ongoing expansion of their satellite network, noting that future satellites will continue to improve coverage and capacity, keeping pace with growing demand.
Delta’s initiative to offer free, high-quality WiFi on international flights is a major milestone in the airline industry, setting a new benchmark for in-flight connectivity and enhancing the travel experience for passengers worldwide.