By Dipo Olowookere
Delta Air Lines has started offering Wi-Fi services on every flight between Africa and the United States, Business Post has learnt.
The on-demand service, according to the company, is available on routes from Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg and Lagos.
A statement issued by Delta Air Lines disclosed that this initiative would enable all its customers flying its nonstop services from Africa to Atlanta and New York-JFK remain connected at 30,000 feet.
It said the final Boeing 777, one of a number serving South Africa, has now been equipped and is back in service.
It marks a new milestone for the airline with flights from Accra, Dakar, Lagos and Johannesburg– offering on-demand Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft.
“We know that Wi-Fi is an important part of the travel experience, especially for those flying for business,” said Jimmy Eichelgruen, Delta’s Sales Director for Africa, the Middle East and India. “With Wi-Fi available in every cabin, all our customers can stay in touch with events on the ground throughout their journey. We hope our customers will enjoy this enhanced experience the next time they fly Delta.”
Delta’s Wi-Fi is powered by high-speed, Ku-Band satellite technology and provided by Gogo.
Laptop passes are available to buy from just $6.95 for one hour’s usage or a global day pass can be purchased in advance of a flight for $28.
Customers also enjoy free access to the airline’s on-demand entertainment system Delta Studio, which includes in-flight streaming to view movies and TV shows on mobile devices.
Delta began installing Wi-Fi on US domestic mainline aircraft in 2008.
With international satellite-based Wi-Fi now installed on Delta’s wide-body fleet comprising Boeing 767s, 747s, 777s Airbus A330 and transoceanic Boeing 757s, the airline operates the world’s largest Wi-Fi equipped fleet, giving customers more options to stay connected in-flight.
Tickets for Delta’s services are available through Delta Air Lines on 011 408 8200, www.delta.com or via travel agents.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Modupe Gbadeyanka