After becoming the first U.S. airline to offer high-speed internet connectivity across its mainline fleet (which includes more than 900 aircraft) this year, American Airlines will take a further step and begin equipping nearly 500 regional aircraft with the same technology.
The plan is set to start in early 2024 and is expected to be completed within two years.
This will be possible thanks to the expansion of American Airlines‘ agreement with Intelsat, the service provider that will equip the aircraft with its ESA (Electronically Steered Array) antennas. These multi-orbit antennas can operate in both Intelsat’s geostationary satellite family and a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites.
According to American Airlines, this technology will enable regional aircraft to access the same high-speed internet as the mainline fleet, allowing passengers on all domestic routes to browse the internet, check emails, use streaming platforms, or even log into a VPN while in flight, thereby leveling a key aspect of the service.
Amerian Eagle, the regional brand of American Airlines, operates a fleet of around 500 Embraer 170/175, ERJ 145, and Bombardier CRJ 200/700/900 aircraft, both from its own subsidiaries such as Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines, and PSA Airlines, as well as from third parties: Air Wisconsin, Republic Airways, and SkyWest Airlines.
