1 week Ago By Vyte Klisauskaite
Delta Air Lines will roll out free WiFi service across its fleet of Boeing 717 aircraft, following closely on the heels of its recent launch of free internet on most of its transatlantic routes to Europe, West Africa, and Israel. The Atlanta-based airline has been steadily outfitting select long-haul aircraft with high-speed internet, and its pace of rolling out free WiFi has been unmatched—aside from JetBlue Airways, the original trailblazer in offering free in-flight connectivity. Boeing 717s get connected Boeing 717s are increasingly becoming a rarer sight in the skies of the United States, with Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines remaining the only two major commercial airlines flying the type.
Despite being among the oldest in the fleet with an average age of 23.3 years, Delta’s 80 Boeing 717-200s are set to be equipped with fast and free Delta Sync WiFi. Additionally, Delta Sync WiFi powered by T-Mobile will enable simultaneous dual-network connectivity on the 717s in order “to deliver the best possible online experience—which means seamless streaming to personal devices and superior performance across Delta’s network.
” Delta expects dual-network connectivity retrofits to begin in the fourth quarter, with the entire Boeing 717 fleet expected to be complete by early 2026. Commenting on the news, Ranjan Goswami, S.V.
P. – Customer Experience Design at Delta Air Lines, said: “Thanks to the dedication and expertise of Delta teams, we’re making enormous strides in our efforts to bring fast, free Wi-Fi to every aircraft in our fleet—which in turn will transform our aircraft into personalized platforms where customers can connect and engage in meaningful new ways. “With the addition of our pioneering dual-network connectivity solution to 717s and forthcoming A350-1000 and A321neo new deliveries, we’re unlocking new possibilities for what it means to stay connected in the air.
” In addition to upgrading its Boeing 717s, the airline will begin equipping its regional jets with WiFi service this spring. The first of more than 400 regional jets—a CRJ-700—has already been outfitted with fast, free WiFi and has entered service. Here's Where Delta & Hawaiian Are Still Flying The Boeing 717 Beginning in late 2026, Delta Air Lines will equip select newly delivered A350-1000 and Airbus A321neo aircraft with a dual-network connectivity system, further advancing its next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience.
First revealed at CES, the upgraded system will feature intelligent 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and expanded personalization options, signaling a bold step forward in in-flight entertainment and connectivity. Delta will suspend transatlantic flights connecting Orlando (MCO) and London Heathrow (LHR) from November 2025 through February 2026. A growing trend Other US airlines have also been adding WiFi to their fleets to enhance passenger convenience.
However, few have matched the speed of Delta or JetBlue in offering free inflight internet. While several airlines already offer free WiFi, American Airlines has only recently begun testing the service on three select routes. The move comes as more carriers around the world increasingly make inflight connectivity available at no cost.
United Airlines, which currently offers free messaging and access to its website and app for all passengers, will enter the free WiFi space this year. Testing of the service has already begun, with the first passenger flights being deployed later in the year. Earlier, inflight WiFi services were only free for business or first class customers, while internet service in economy class was either a paid service or nonexistent.
Now, offering free WiFi at 35,000 feet is becoming increasingly popular, and airlines worldwide are adopting the trend to stay competitive. The airline will be testing free WiFi service on just three select domestic routes..
