Internet Makes In-Flight Debut
Next year will see more travellers log onto in-flight internet, according to predictions.US airline JetBlue plans to offer passengers free email access for the first time on its flight from New York to San Francisco tomorrow (December 11th).
Its Airbus-320 jet, dubbed BetaBlue, has wireless antennae in the ceiling and a computer server that transmits signals to mobile phone towers on the ground.
Technological travel fans will be able to cyber-surf on their laptops or Wi-Fi-enabled Blackberrys.
JetBlue spokeswoman Alison Eshelman described the airline's demonstration flight to news provider AFP: "It was just like you were sitting at your computer at home - it was crazy to be able to do it in-flight."
Meanwhile, rival carriers American, Virgin America and Alaska Air are implementing their own in-flight connectivity initiatives, although reports claim they will not be free of charge.
Earlier this year it was claimed that many holidaymakers would not welcome the chance to use their mobile phone on an aeroplane.
Management consultancy Mott MacDonald warned that losing the "peace, quiet, solitude and tranquillity" of air journeys could alienate travellers.
Travel Industry news posted on 10 December 2007
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