Wirelessnorth.ca

It’s hard to get a free lunch on Air Canada anymore, but starting in 2009 you’ll be able to get wifi. The wifi connectivity is helped out by the (key) benefit seat-back USB and AC power outlets. Lack of power was certainly one of the downfalls of past in-flight services like Boeing’s short-lived satelite service.

The Gogo service turns a commercial airplane into a WiFi hotspot with true in-flight internet access. Passengers with WiFi enabled devices, such as laptops, Smartphones and PDAs can surf the web, check any e-mail, Instant Message, access a corporate VPN, and more.

Air Canada will roll out the Gogo system on select flights, initially installing the system on its Airbus A319 aircraft that fly into the United States initial deployment is expected to begin by spring 2009.

The Gogo system on Air Canada’s trans-border routes will be available first in the U.S. and powered by Aircell’s already existing infrastructure. Air Canada and Aircell expect that the Gogo service will eventually provide passengers coverage from key Air Canada cities such as Montreal and Toronto to every Air Canada market in the continental United States

Based on their existing service, Expect AirCell pricing to come in around $10 for typical flight, which to us sounds pretty reasonable. Smart move by aircanada, the service adds a little extra per seat revenue to help pay those gas bills while offering a convenience/productivity bonus vs the competition. Will Westjet and Porter be next?