Gogo Wi-Fi Services Launch on Japan Airlines Domestic Flights

Japan Airlines confirmed that it will launch Gogo-powered Wi-Fi onboard select flights between Haneda-Intani, Haneda-Fukoka, and Haneda-Hakodate starting July 23.

The airline will also add the service to flights between Haneda-Sapporo (New Chitose) starting August 2.

The service, marketed as JAL SKY Wi-Fi, will be sold in 30-minute increments for JPY 400 (around $4), or for the duration of the flight–priced according to the flight length and the type of device used.

Smartphone usage will range between JPY 500 for short flights between Haneda and Osaka to JPY 700 for longer flights between Haneda and Okinawa.

Tablet and Notebook usage will cost JPY 500 on flights between Haneda and Osaka, JPY 700 on flights between Haneda and Fukoka, and JPY 1,200 on flights between Haneda and Okinawa.

The Boeing 777-200 aircraft offering the Gogo-powered JAL SKY Wi-Fi product will be marked at the door and at several points in the bulkhead of each travel class with the JAL SKY Wi-Fi logo.

The company includes a caveat on possible restrictions to the service in its announcement, stating:

“Regarding the Wi-Fi sent via communications satellites, some lags in speed might occur when downloading or streaming videos. To ensure the connection speed, the number of wireless LAN capable device will be restricted when using the in-flight internet service at the same time. JAL will continue to improve this new service while monitoring passenger use.”

At its big reveal of Gogo’s 2Ku service at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Gogo had announced that Japan Airlines would launch a trial of this connectivity service.

JAL will also provide pre-loaded entertainment delivered to passenger devices via the onboard Wi-Fi — free of charge — on these flights and give passengers free access to its website, allowing them to check flight information.