The Atlanta-based carrier continues its aggressive rollout of complimentary inflight connectivity, bringing the service to its aging but vital Boeing 717 aircraft while other major airlines scramble to catch up.
Delta Air Lines announced plans to roll out free WiFi service across its fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, further cementing its position as an industry leader in complimentary inflight connectivity. The move follows the carrier’s recent expansion of free internet service on most of its transatlantic routes to Europe, West Africa, and Israel.
The upgrade will bring Delta’s aging but still vital Boeing 717-200s into the digital age, despite the aircraft type becoming increasingly rare in U.S. skies. Currently, only Delta and Hawaiian Airlines continue to operate the Boeing 717 commercially in the United States.
“Thanks to the dedication and expertise of Delta teams, weโre making enormous strides in our efforts to bring fast, free Wi-Fi to every aircraft in our fleetโwhich in turn will transform our aircraft into personalized platforms where customers can connect and engage in meaningful new ways,” said Ranjan Goswami, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design at Delta Air Lines.
Delta’s 80 Boeing 717-200s, which have an average age of 23.3 years, will be equipped with the carrier’s Delta Sync WiFi system, powered by T-Mobile. The technology will feature dual-network connectivity designed to “deliver the best possible online experience,” allowing seamless streaming to personal devices across Delta’s network.
The retrofitting process for the dual-network connectivity on the 717 fleet is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter, with completion expected by early 2026.
Delta isn’t stopping with its mainline fleet. The carrier has already begun equipping its regional jets with free WiFi service, with the first of more than 400 regional aircraftโa CRJ-700โalready outfitted and in service.
Looking ahead, Delta plans to further elevate its connectivity offerings by equipping select newly delivered Airbus A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft with dual-network connectivity systems beginning in late 2026. These aircraft will feature the next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience, complete with 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and expanded personalization options.
The move comes as more airlines worldwide recognize the competitive advantage of offering free inflight internet. JetBlue Airways pioneered complimentary WiFi, but other major U.S. carriers have been slower to adopt the approach.
American Airlines has only recently begun testing free WiFi on three select routes, while United Airlinesโwhich currently offers free messaging and access to its website and appโplans to enter the free WiFi space later this year.
The industry trend represents a significant shift from previous models where inflight internet connectivity was either a paid service or offered complimentary only to premium cabin passengers. As passenger expectations evolve, airlines are increasingly viewing free WiFi as a necessary service rather than a luxury add-on.
Key Takeaways
- Delta Air Lines is rolling out free WiFi across its fleet of 80 Boeing 717 aircraft, with retrofits beginning in Q4 and completion expected by early 202.
- The service will use T-Mobile-powered dual-network connectivity for improved streaming and performance.
- Delta is also bringing free WiFi to more than 400 regional jets and planning advanced connectivity systems for future A350-1000 and A321neo deliveries.
- The move follows Delta’s expansion of free WiFi on transatlantic routes and highlights the growing industry trend toward complimentary inflight connectivity.
Major competitors American and United are still in the testing phases of their free WiFi offerings.
