Alaska Airlines to Offer Gogo Inflight Internet Service
February 24 2010 - 7:03AM
PR Newswire (US)
SEATTLE, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines today
announced it will offer Aircell's Gogo® Inflight Internet service
on all Alaska's aircraft. With Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers
will be able to browse the Web; access online music, games,
podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to
virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service will
provide passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped
laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless
mobile broadband services on the ground. "With more than 730
systems already flying, Aircell has a proven track record of
deploying affordable inflight Wi-Fi services to airline customers,"
said Steve Jarvis, Alaska's vice president of marketing, sales and
customer experience. "Their reliable, lower-cost equipment can be
installed quickly, allowing Alaska Airlines to introduce Gogo
service to our customers as soon as possible." Alaska and Aircell
are currently working to install the Gogo service on a Boeing
737-800 and will begin testing to secure certification from the
Federal Aviation Administration. Once Aircell's equipment has been
certified for Alaska's 737s, the airline will start outfitting its
entire fleet, beginning with its 737-800s serving longer routes.
"Alaska Airlines has a rich history of leveraging innovative
technologies to create the best possible customer experience," said
Michael Small, Aircell's president and chief executive officer. "We
are proud they have selected the Gogo service to offer their
customers a choice in how they spend their time while traveling.
The ability to surf the Net and send e-mail will enhance the
inflight experience for Alaska Airlines' passengers." The Gogo
system, currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states, will be
offered to customers at a cost of $4.95 and up, based on length of
flight and device used. To ensure the service is available to the
airline's namesake state, Aircell will expand its network to
provide Gogo Inflight Internet service on flights to, from and
between key destinations in the state of Alaska. Last year Alaska
Airlines successfully tested a satellite-based inflight Wi-Fi
service offered by Row 44. However, the airline ultimately chose
Aircell's Gogo service to speed fleet-wide installation and Wi-Fi
availability for customers. About Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines
and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK),
together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in
Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines
ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network
Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 and 2009 North
America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM). For reservations, visit
alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska
Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom. About
Aircell® Aircell® is the world's leading provider of airborne
communications. As the winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license
in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network
for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network
and its inflight portal, Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial
airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet
experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network
provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to
enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more.
A similar feature set is available to business aircraft operators.
Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colo., and Itasca, Ill.
Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch,
in flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit
http://www.aircell.com/. DATASOURCE: Alaska Airlines CONTACT:
Bobbie Egan, Alaska Airlines, +1-206-392-5134; Melissa Liton,
Communique PR, +1-206-282-4923, ext. 115; Arianne Venuso, Aircell,
+1-630-647-1088 Web Site: http://www.alaskaair.com/
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