Alaska Airlines announcement that Aircell’s Gogo is going to be the service provider for the airline’s in-flight Internet service came as a surprise since the airline successfully tested Row 44’s WiFi service last year. Steve Jarvis, Alaska’s vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience, said Alaska chose Aircell because “their reliable, lower-cost equipment can be installed quickly, allowing Alaska Airlines to introduce Gogo service to our customers as soon as possible.”

After Alaska receives certification from the FAA, the airline will begin installing in-flight Internet across its entire fleet, starting with its 737-800 aircraft that serve longer routes. The Gogo system is currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states and Gogo plans to expand its network to provide service on flights to or from key Alaska destinations. Alaska also recently introduced a new Web site for mobile users at mobile.alaskaair.com that enables users to check their flight status, view reservations, check-in for flights and change their seat assignment.