Alaska Airlines announced a major upgrade to its in-flight WiFi by partnering with Gogo to bring satellite-based internet to its entire Boeing and Airbus fleet.
Gogo’s 2Ku broadband service will provide passengers with significantly faster onboard connectivity, allowing reliable web browsing and video streaming from services such as Netflix, Hulu and HBO GO.
Unlike the airline’s previous air-to-ground system, which limited bandwidth and discouraged high-bandwidth activities like streaming, 2Ku delivers roughly 20 times the speed. The satellite solution also extends coverage beyond the continental United States, so flyers can stay connected on routes to Alaska and Hawai’i and over oceanic segments.
“We conducted an extensive review to find a satellite WiFi solution that will allow us to give our guests full coverage across our route map, including in the state of Alaska and on flights to Hawai’i,” said Andrew Harrison, CCO of Alaska Airlines. “Our guests will soon be able to connect in the air just as they do out and about on the ground. This makes traveling more relaxing as well as productive — whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, checking email, or watching what’s trending on YouTube.”
The 2Ku installation will offer gate-to-gate access, meaning connectivity from the airport gate until arrival at the destination gate. While pricing details were not disclosed, Alaska Airlines expects to equip 40–50 aircraft with 2Ku by the end of 2018, with the remainder of the Alaska and Virgin America fleet scheduled to be outfitted by early 2020.
This upgrade positions Alaska Airlines to meet growing passenger expectations for consistent, high-performance internet in the air, supporting both leisure and business travelers who rely on streaming, remote work and real-time communications while flying.