American Airlines launches mobile broadband

American Airlines has announced the launch of its new mobile broadband service, Gogo, provided by Aircell.

The facility could prove useful for people catching connecting flights in the USA as it will be available on services from New York to Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

American Airlines, which claims to be the world's largest air carrier, states that this service is the first full inflight broadband platform launched on the US market.

Dan Garton, the airline's executive vice-president of marketing, said: "We are pleased to provide our customers with the unprecedented ability to stay connected to their family, friends and business associates on the ground via the internet while travelling at 30,000 feet above the United States.

"With today's launch, American Airlines makes history as the first and only US airline to offer customers full inflight internet connectivity, demonstrating once again our industry leadership and focus on our customers."

The Aircell system works by turning American Airlines planes into Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling passengers to surf the internet, check their emails and send instant messages.

Customers will be able to log onto the web using personal digital assistants and smartphones, through which they can access applications such as Just the Flight Mobile.

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