Alaska Airlines to offer Aircell Wi-Fi on all planes

Alaska Airlines will offer in-flight Internet service on all its aircraft, hopefully by the end of this year.

The Seattle-based carrier said Wednesday it will install the Aircell Gogo service that lets passengers browse the Web and use e-mail while flying, using a Wi-Fi equipped laptop or personal electronic device.

The Aircell service is being installed on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 for testing to secure certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Once certified, Alaska will start outfitting its entire fleet, beginning with its 737-800s that serve longer routes. The airline hopes all its planes will be equipped with Wi-Fi access by the end of this year.

The Aircell system, currently available in the continental U.S., will cost $4.95 and up, based on length of flight and device used. Aircell also will expand its network to provide Internet service for main destinations in Alaska.

Alaska has previously tested in-flight Wi-Fi service offered by Row 44 but opted for Aircell technology, which already is installed on 730 planes of other carriers including American Airlines, Virgin America and Delta Air Lines.

"Aircell has a proven track record of deploying affordable in-flight Wi-Fi services to airline customers," said Steve Jarvis, Alaska's vice president of marketing. "Their reliable, lower-cost equipment can be installed quickly."