American Airlines to Introduce AirCell's In-Flight Internet Connectivity

A memorandum of intent has been signed by American Airlines and AirCell LLC, a provider of airborne telecomms services, which will reportedly make it the first US airline to enable passengers to use AirCell's high-speed broadband connectivity.

The broadband connectivity test is due to be conducted on the airline's Boeing 767-200 aircraft, flying mainly transcontinental routes, next year, available in all classes for a fee. American Airlines said the service could be extended to the rest of its domestic fleet if the solution proves successful.

The solution will provide a high-speed Internet connection, VPN access and e-mail capabilities through WiFi-enabled laptops and PDA devices, allowing passengers to access real-time in-flight broadband communication. The technology will use three antennas fitted on the outside of the aircraft, with AirCell providing cellular towers throughout the continental US to transmit the signal, with 802.11a/b/gWiFi signals received inside the cabin.

AirCell's technology is subject to requirements established by the Federal Aviation Administration through a licence from the Federal Communications Commission, according to TMCnet.