Company Plans To Block 'Inappropriate Content'

Delta Air Lines moved a step closer to providing its passengers with wireless internet service, making its first test flight of the Aircell wi-fi system on Thursday.

Completing the first in a series of airborne tests, an employee successfully sent an e-mail message from an MD-88 equipped with the system, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Testing is expected to continue, paving the way for the targeted start of wi-fi passenger flights next month.

"We'll continue to ensure that everything remains seamless for customers by the time it launches," said Delta spokesman Kent Landers. A sticker posted at the boarding door will denote aircraft equipped with wi-fi, and announcements regarding the service will be made by flight attendants, he said.

The charge for in-flight wi-fi will be $9.95 on flights with a duration of three hours or less, and $12.95 for longer flights.

Delta, having received feedback from concerned customers and flight attendants, has changed its policy on airborne web surfing. Formerly deciding to let flight attendants handle "inappropriate situations," Delta and Aircell are now working on plans to block inappropriate content.

"Blocking will be limited in scope and will be for sites that few, if any, would question are inappropriate to be viewed on an aircraft. Our focus is to achieve a balanced approach," Landers said.

By the end of this year, Delta plans to have the system installed on "several dozen" of its MD-88s, and expects to have wi-fi service up and running by summer of 2009 on more than 300 aircraft, including its fleet of 737, 757, and 767-300 airliners.

FMI: www.delta.com, www.aircell.com