In-flight broadband tested

US carrier American Airlines will trial in-flight broadband internet on some international flights.

The airline announced that it has signed an agreement with AirCell to test in-flight broadband services on some flights. These trials are set to take place in 2008.

Wireless internet services will allow both business passengers and holidaymakers to check email and surf the internet with their own Wi-Fi enabled devices while flying with American Airlines.

While the trials are expected to mainly take place on US flights, the system could be rolled out on transatlantic flights in the future.

"We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time, in-flight broadband communications," explained Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American Airlines.

"This is part of our continuing effort to take the lead in enhancing the travel experience for our customers and meet their evolving needs."

Jack Blumenstein, chief executive of AirCell, added: "Travellers are already bringing their own Wi-Fi enabled devices onto planes.

"Bringing broadband access onto domestic flights at an everyday, affordable price provides travellers the opportunity to recapture time."

American Airlines recently announced that it would offer daily flights from London Stansted Airport to New York's John F Kennedy Airport from October.

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