United Airlines announced the launch of its satellite-based onboard Wi-Fi service that will offer its customers Internet connection while flying.
United Airlines became the first airline to offer its customers onboard Internet connectivity while flying internationally on long-haul overseas routes when it announced the launch of its satellite based onboard Wi-Fi service.
"Satellite-based Wi-Fi service enables us to better serve our customers and offer them more of what they want in a global airline," said Jim Compton , vice chairman and chief revenue officer at United. "With this new service, we continue to build the airline that customers want to fly."
Customers could choose from two packages differing in speed. The first package is of the stand speed that has been priced at $3.99 and $14.99 depending on the duration of flight. The other package is of a higher speed and is available at prices ranging from $5.99 to $19.99, again depending on the duration of flight. The second package facilitates faster downloads than the standard package.
United is also upgrading its fleet with more than $550 million in additional onboard improvements, including:
* Offering the world's largest fleet of aircraft with flat-bed seats, with more than 175 aircraft with 180-degree flat beds in premium cabins once the airline completes the installation in the second quarter.
* Expanding extra-legroom Economy Plus seating to provide the most such seating of any U.S. carrier.
* Revamping the transcontinental "p.s." fleet of airplanes that fly between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering an improved premium cabin with fully flat beds, Wi-Fi Internet service, and personal on-demand entertainment at every seat.
* Improving inflight entertainment options with streaming video content on the Boeing 747-400 fleet.
* Retrofitting overhead bins on 152 Airbus aircraft, allowing for significantly greater storage of carry-on baggage.
