American Airlines announced, on November 30, 2023, that, starting in 2024, it plans to equip nearly 500 aircraft in its dual-cabin regional fleet with high-speed internet connectivity.
With this move, American Airlines is extending its inflight Wi-Fi offering to practically the entirety of its fleet, some 1,400 aircraft (contractors included). Earlier in 2023, the fitting of the airline’s mainline fleet, which totals around 900 aircraft, was completed.
The satellite-based service is going to be provided by Intelsat, which uses an electronically steered array (ESA) antenna capable of receiving low-latency signal from both geo-stationary and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
This system is going to provide enough bandwidth for passengers to use a range of online services while onboard, including video streaming.
Although American Airlines operates its regional network through the American Eagle brand, the actual flying is done by several different operators, including wholly owned subsidiaries, such as Piedmont Air and Envoy Airlines, and external contractors, such as Air Wisconsin, Republic Airways and SkyWest Airlines.