3/19/2008 at 11:07 AM
Tags: Southwest Airlines, Row 44, Aircell, ATA (all tags)
Now that one low cost carrier has revealed its latest plans, it's time for Southwest to share some news. (God knows the carrier could use some good press.) While it's far from certain, at least one industry watcher thinks the airline could announce something big:
The new CEO of Global [which owns ATA] should be a familiar name. He's the ex-CFO of Southwest Airlines and ex-CEO of ATA: John Denison. And, as we all know, John is very close to current Southwest CEO Gary Kelly.
People tell us this afternoon that we could hear about what Southwest is going to do with ATA's international certificate in as little as 48 hours.
Hmmm... That was about 40 hours ago.
MORE...
by pbb
1/23/2008 at 4:44 PM
Tags: In-Flight WiFi, WiFi, Row 44, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines (all tags)
Right before New Year's, we heard a rumor that Southwest Airlines would be offering in-flight WiFi sometime this year. Today the carrier announced that it will test satellite-based broadband on four aircraft this summer.
Going the satellite route differentiates the product from what Virgin America and American Airlines are planning; both are working with a company called Aircell. Southwest is partnering with Row 44, the same folks who are putting together an in-flight Internet service for Alaska Airlines. The benefit of a satellite system is that it works anywhere, not just over land.
Obviously this is a play to make passengers feel more productive, per Southwest's new (annoying) advertising campaign. But the Airline Biz Blog is wondering why the carrier would bother with a system that works over the ocean. Could international routes be in the works?
Related Stories:
· Southwest's Internet Announcement [Official Site]
· Southwest and Broadband [ABB]
· Southwest Secretly Preparing In-Flight WiFi [Jaunted]
· Jaunted Guide to Airborne Internet [Jaunted]
[Photo: Drewski2112]
by pbb
