The announcements follow similar moves by other airlines. Virgin America, which currently has the service on 24 of its 28 planes, has said it is on schedule to have the rest ready to go by Memorial Day. And on Monday, Delta Air Lines, which became the world's largest carrier after its merger last year with Northwest Airlines, said that it has Wi-Fi on 139 planes, or about half of its mainline domestic fleet, and will have the rest finished by September. Delta also expects to complete outfitting all 200 jets in Northwest's domestic fleet next year.
The airlines say they're offering the service because passengers, who are used to being able to connect with family, friends, and employers online at all times, are demanding it more and more.
"We had a website up called everyflight.com where people could tell us what they wanted, and in-flight Wi-Fi was at the top of the list," said Christopher White, an AirTran spokesman. And Susan Chana Elliott, a spokeswoman for Delta, agreed, saying customers "have made it clear to us they really want this."
Indeed, industry analysts say that Internet access has become so much a part of the fabric of everyday life that not having it puts an airline at a competitive disadvantage.
"Going online at 35,000 feet isn't a 'nice to have,' " said Henry H. Harteveldt, principal airline analyst for Forrester Research Inc. "In today's tough business climate, in-flight Wi-Fi is as es sential as the beverage cart. Business people need to stay in touch with their clients and colleagues, as well as stay on top of the volatile business environment. Leisure travelers appreciate Wi-Fi in-flight because they can stay in touch with family and friends, plan their journeys, and entertain themselves."
