CO to offer GoGo inflight internet in 2010
 

Press Release
Source: Continental Airlines
On Wednesday December 16, 2009, 11:31 am EST


HOUSTON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that, beginning in the second quarter 2010, it will offer Gogo Inflight Internet service on its fleet of 21 Boeing 757-300 aircraft that primarily serve domestic routes.



"We've been closely watching technology developments to offer onboard connectivity for our customers," said Mark Bergsrud, Continental's senior vice president of marketing programs. "We are excited to be able to offer our customers Internet service, giving them the ability to connect to colleagues, friends and family and work, learn and play while flying."


The new Gogo Inflight Internet service will provide customers full Internet access on their own standard, Wi-Fi equipped laptop or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground. Customers will be able to sign up and log in once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet. The Gogo system, powered by the Aircell Network and available in the continental U.S., will be available to customers at a cost from $4.95 and up, based on length of flight.


"Aircell and Continental share a common focus on putting our customers first," said Ron LeMay, Aircell's President and CEO. "The addition of Gogo Inflight Internet service to Continental's suite of amenities is simply the latest example of the airline's ongoing commitment to service excellence, and we're proud to be part of that. Soon, Continental's passengers will be able to use Gogo to do virtually anything they want on the Internet -- e-mail, chat, poke, tweet, download, upload, shop. In short, flying time is about to become their time."

Any idea if this intended to go fleet-wide for domestic flights? The 757-300s seem to run mainly between hubs and leisure markets where I doubt too many passengers would use the service. Granted, there are some destinations the 753 serves where it could make sense. I just wonder if it will eventually be expanded to capture more business travelers to other markets?

Maybe employees will get a code allowing us to access it for free for a short period. I mean that was done with DirectTV aircraft and that....oh, yeah, never mind. :rolleyes: