Earlier today, Air Canada unveiled plans to implement in-flight internet service. The carrier said they’ve begun testing the technology on flights from Los Angeles to both Toronto and Montreal. Although they’re a bit behind U.S. carriers with in-flight internet, Air Canada will be the first Canadian airline to offer the service.
Air Canada said they will continue testing until January 29th, and will analyze results / customer feedback prior to launching the service on other routes. Since setting up the service can be costly, it is important for Air Canada to gauge the demand for the service. Currently, the carrier has yet to receive approval to develop the ground infrastructure to support the service.
The internet will be provided by Aircell, using their Gogo in-flight internet service. Gogo is just about everywhere, and a majority of the U.S. carriers providing in-flight internet use Gogo. An alternative, Row44, secured a solid contract with Southwest Airlines, and the airline plans to start equipping its fleet (540+ aircraft) Q1 2010. I wonder if Southwest’s codeshare partner, Canada’s WestJet, will integrate Row44 in-flight broadband.
Passengers can use the service on laptops for $9.95 per flight or Personal Electronic Device (PDAs, SmartPhones, etc) for $7.95 per flight.
