In-flight Internet firm aims to expand with entertainment

With Aircell’s in-flight Internet service off the ground, the company is looking to expand the service to international airlines and have a total of 2,000 aircraft equipped with its Gogo service by the end of next year.
The company is also looking to expand its in-flight entertainment capabilities, which include offering games and television, through Gogo, its air-to-ground broadband network.
So far, Gogo is being offered on some flights by American Airlines and was recently added by Virgin America. Aircell also has contracts to install Gogo on aircraft belonging to Delta Air Lines and Air Canada for launch next year.
In addition to the deals already in place, Aircell is in advanced discussions about providing in-flight Internet services with most major carriers in the U.S., according to company officials.
Since Aircell was awarded the spectrum two years ago, the company has made considerable strides this year.
“We are ending 2008 on a high note with the recent launch of Virgin America and upcoming launch of Delta Air Lines and are poised to carry the momentum into the new year and beyond,” Aircell CEO and President Jack Blumenstein said in a statement.
With the current service, travelers can surf the Web, check personal and corporate e-mail and instant message. The cost is $10 for flights shorter than three hours. For longer flights, the cost is $13.
For 2009, the company is looking to add multimedia applications such as games, television, movies and music.
“Providing in-flight Internet service on airplanes with only the beginning,” Aircell EVP Tom Weigman said in a statement. “We look forward to enriching the passenger in-flight experience by providing the services and content they desire.”