American Airlines to start offering free in-flight Wi-Fi next year

Free onboard net entree has go a cardinal battleground for airlines arsenic they pursuit high-value loyal customers.

Two years ago, Delta Air Lines began offering escaped wireless net to members of its frequent-flyer program. Last year, United Airlines tapped Elon Musk's Starlink for in-flight net services.

American Airlines said the complimentary work volition beryllium disposable exclusively to members of its frequent-flyer programme and it was outfitting much than 500 of its determination craft for the launch. It estimated 90% of its fleet volition beryllium equipped to connection in-flight Wi-Fi services.

To gauge the spot of its work up of the launch, American carried retired tests connected prime routes this year. The institution said the results had surpassed its expectations.

"Our customers greatly worth staying connected portion successful the air," American's Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said successful a statement.

Currently, the Texas-based airline's customers are required to wage for in-flight net access. American besides offers a Wi-Fi subscription program to its loyalty programme members, starting astatine $49.95 a month.

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Neil Fullick)