Skift Daily Travel Briefing

Delta’s Free Wi-Fi, Paris Luxury Boost and Inspirato’s Layoffs

Aug 14, 2024

Gordon Smith, Airlines Editor, dives into Delta Air Lines' ambitious plan for free global Wi-Fi, discussing the challenges of international expansion while comparing it to competitors' services. He highlights Delta's successful domestic strategy and the ongoing satellite upgrades for better connectivity. The podcast also explores how luxury hotels in Paris experienced a significant occupancy surge during the Olympics, albeit amid a backdrop of overall sluggish summer tourism. It's a dynamic view of an evolving travel landscape!

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Gordon Smith

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Quick takeaways

Delta Airlines is implementing free global Wi-Fi, addressing the complexities of international expansion while maximizing its domestic success.

Luxury hotels in Paris experienced a surge in occupancy during the Olympics, yet overall tourist numbers remained subdued due to increased congestion.

Deep dives

Delta Airlines Expands In-Flight Connectivity

Delta Airlines is set to launch free onboard Wi-Fi across its global network, enhancing passenger connectivity during flights. Currently, nearly 90% of its 700 domestic mainline aircraft offer free Wi-Fi, but the international expansion poses more significant challenges due to the complexity of global coverage. The airline is in a Wi-Fi transition period, which involves upgrading infrastructure and deploying additional satellites to improve service reach. The strategy includes introducing free Wi-Fi on select international routes, mirroring the successful rollout achieved domestically.

Travel Industry Updates: Delta's Wi-Fi Launch, Paris Hotel Occupancy, and Inspirato's Workforce Changes

4min

Episode Notes

Delta Air Lines is launching free onboard Wi-Fi across its global network in the next several months. So how will Delta handle the complexities of international expansion? Airlines Editor Gordon Smith examines the matter in addition to comparing rivals’ Wi-Fi services.

Smith notes Delta already offers free Wi-Fi on around 90% of its 700 domestic mainline aircraft, however, international expansion is much more complex. It is currently undergoing what it calls a “Wi-Fi transition period.” That means the company is making significant upgrades in its global coverage, with additional satellites being placed to improve the reach of the service. Delta is launching free overseas Wi-Fi on a route-by-route basis as the carrier aims to duplicate its successful domestic rollout strategy of prioritizing certain city pairs.

Next, luxury hotels in Paris enjoyed a nice bump in occupancy during the Olympics, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.

Close to 86% of high-end hotels in the Greater Paris metropolitan area were occupied between July 23 and August 6, according to the city’s tourism office. That’s a roughly 17 percentage point jump from last year. Growth overall was much more modest, especially if you consider the run-up to the Games.

Habtemariam writes the Olympics have been a drag on visitor numbers to Paris throughout the entire summer, with many travelers opting not to visit due to increased traffic and congestion in the city. Over the entire summer period, Paris is expected to have 9.5 million overnight visitors, which is similar to 2023 levels.

Finally, luxury hospitality brand Inspirato has a new CEO and a deal for $10 million in equity financing. The company is also laying off 15% of its workforce, writes Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

Inspirato’s third round of layoffs since early 2023 — as well as its move to terminate underperforming leases — are part of its efforts to save $25 million annually. As for the $10 million deal that new CEO Payam Zamani is bringing, $4.6 million was expected to close on Tuesday. The rest is slated to close in September.

Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos

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