Alaska Air Group will test satellite-based wireless Internet access on an Alaska Airlines jet in hopes of offering inflight Web and e-mail service to attract more customers.
The technology developed by closely held Row 44, based in Westlake Village, California, will be installed on a Boeing Co. 737 early next year, Seattle-based Alaska Air said in a statement today.
Passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices will connect to the Internet through wireless hotspots inside the aircraft, linked to a satellite receiver on top of the plane, the company said. Alaska Air, the ninth-largest U.S. carrier, said it’s been working with Row 44 on the system for two years.
American Airlines and Virgin America are working with closely held AirCell to develop air-to-ground broadband Internet service.
JetBlue Airways is studying ways to offer inflight e- mail and text-messaging through its LiveTV subsidiary, and Southwest Airlines said it may equip planes with wireless Internet connections.
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