June 7, 2005

United Airlines said it is the first U.S. airline to receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to deploy wireless Internet networks on its planes. The airline said it is working with Verizon Airfone, a division of Verizon Communications, to install Wi-Fi networks onboard its fleet of B757-200 jets. Service is expected to launch sometime next year.

"We got approval from the FAA to start installing the Wi-Fi equipment on our planes," said Robin Urbanski, a United spokeswoman.

Unlike Boeing's satellite in-flight wireless Internet service, which is used by carriers such as Lufthansa and Japan Airlines, United's Wi-Fi will be an air-to-ground service that will work only in U.S. airspace. United said it has not yet determined pricing for the offering.

While the Federal Communications Commission is studying loosening restrictions on in-flight cellular use, Urbanski said passengers are demanding an in-flight Internet connection.

"Right now, our customers are telling us they prefer Internet access" to in-flight phone service, Urbanski said.

Source: RCR News