American Airlines to test inflight broadband

American Airlines has announced that it is to take the next step in the e-travel revolution by testing inflight broadband access.

The carrier, which is headquartered near Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Texas, has already completed the first aircraft installation of its Aircell broadband connectivity solution.

American Airlines plans to make the technology available on all 15 of its Boeing 767-200 planes, which primarily fly transcontinental routes.

The Aircell system will allow customers to access the internet, virtual private networks and email through Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, personal digital assistants and portable gaming devices.

Dave Bijur, an Aircell executive, said that the facility will be able to handle a planeload of passengers all wanting to access the internet.

While travellers will have to pay for the privilege of using the internet on American Airlines flights, some sites will be accessible for free, including the airline's website, offering services such as gate information and flight times.

British customers can catch American Airlines flights to destinations including New York, Sydney and Los Angeles.

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