American Airlines Gets Thinking About In-Flight Internet
AirCell (" a provider of aviation communications") announced yesterday that it will partner with American Airlines to start offering on-board internet access.
But we wouldn't get too excited. There is going to be a testing period and that doesn't start until 2008 and then only on 767-200 aircrafts. Plus, the business of this all has not been so enticing for airlines. (Though we did enjoy Connexion way back when.)
Still AirCell is selling the dream that their system will work better than the others.
AirCell says its system, which is based on cellular technology, is less bulky and much cheaper than Boeing's old satellite-based service.
AirCell Chief Executive Jack Blumenstein told Reuters that the equipment costs about $100,000 per plane and that airlines can offer the service for about $10 per flight.
We actually made a note of it when AirCell bought the license for in-air WiFi last year and we guessed that they were trying to finagle a cell phone deal as well.
So far, there's been no mention of AA doing that and that's good news because we like American. It's like the sweet-natured and wiser older sister compared to United's trashy and temperamental younger sister. Also, American hasn't lost our luggage. Yet.
Related Stories:
· AA prepares for on-board internet [CNN]
· Jet Blue Sedates Passengers Further [Jaunted]
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