Delta Air Lines expects that jets operating on most transatlantic routes will be equipped with fast, free Wi-Fi service by the end of this summer. However, it may take at least a year before the carrier completes the rollout of free internet to the rest of its fleet.
Beginning in 2023, the Atlanta-based carrier is working to bring free Wi-Fi to its aircraft, requiring only a SkyMiles membership for connectivity.
Although Delta initially set its sights on a full fleet rollout by the end of 2024, satellite coverage limitations pushed the timeline to 2025, TPG first reported in March.
“We’re continuing to roll it out, making good progress,” Delta CEO Ed Bastin said on the company’s second-quarter earnings call last week.
Related: Best Delta Credit Cards This Month
Pay attention to the international
Delta began its Wi-Fi rollout with a heavy focus on its mainline domestic fleet; The airline already brings in service from provider Viasat, with its Airbus A319s, A320s and A321s, and its Boeing 737s and 757s – along with “many” of its A220s.
Now, for now, the carrier is focusing its attention on its wide-body international fleet — especially jet flying routes between the US and Europe, which are heavily traveled this summer.
“The focus at the moment is equipping our international fleet,” Bastin said last week. “We will have, most likely, the transatlantic pretty well fully up and running by the end of the summer, in the next couple of months.”
Related: Delta signals ‘basic business’ fares may be on the horizon
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Paris, should be furnished by the Nice Olympics
Just this week, Delta began testing the service on most flights between the US and France, including flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Nice.
The test began on Monday. Once that’s complete, travelers should have access to free Wi-Fi in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a spokesperson told TPG.
Remaining focus
Additional international routes are expected to be phased in following successful testing.
The satellite coverage gap affects Delta’s Asia-Pacific routes the most, but the carrier says it is working with Viasat to bring those routes online sometime in 2025.
Beyond that, the carrier is focused on equipping its regional jets and the rest of its mainline aircraft, particularly the Boeing 717 fleet, “over the next 12 to 18 months,” Bastin said last week.
More than half of Delta’s passenger capacity, to date, has access to free Wi-Fi.
Not equipped on most flights, you can purchase the service. Wondering if your flight is equipped with fast, free service? You can find on delta.com/wifiOr look for a “fast-streaming Wi-Fi” indicator when booking.
Related Reading: