In what will be a landmark trial for the US, American Airlines will be the first U.S. airline to trial in-flight Wi-Fi internet access. The solution developed by AirCell will be conducted in 2008 and will be implemented on transcontinental routes serviced by Boeing 767-200 aircraft.

“We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time, inflight broadband communications,” said Dan Garton, American’s Executive Vice President – Marketing. “This is part of our continuing effort to enhance the travel experience for our customers and meet their evolving needs.”

“Travelers are already bringing their own Wi-Fi enabled devices onto planes,” said Jack Blumenstein, AirCell CEO. “Bringing broadband access onto domestic flights at an everyday, affordable price provides travelers the opportunity to recapture time. Making productive use of the time in the air will give them time back on the ground with family or just relaxing.”

Solution provider AirCell has been placed under strict aviation safety guidelines set out by the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration, who jointly administer wireless and broadband guidelines relating to all aircraft flying in US skies.

The service will be available in all classes for a fee and may be extended to American Airlines Domestic Fleet over time.

Press releases from both companies can be found here:
 

American Airlines: American Airlines To Take Inflight Connectivity To New Heights

AirCell: American Airlines selects AirCell to Launch in-flight wi-fi service Over U.S.

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