Continental to launch inflight internet service

Continental Airlines will introduce inflight internet access on its US flights next year.

The carrier announced that the Gogo Inflight Internet service will be available on its fleet of Boeing 757-300 aircraft, which primarily serve domestic routes, from the second quarter of 2010.

For prices starting at $4.95 (£3), passengers will be able to access the web on Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and electronic devices when the plane reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet.

The Gogo system is currently only available in the continental US and reportedly offers speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

Mark Bergsrud, senior vice-president of marketing at Continental Airlines, said: "We've been closely watching technology developments to offer onboard connectivity for our customers.

"We are excited to be able to offer our customers internet service, giving them the ability to connect to colleagues, friends and family and work, learn and play while flying."

Continental and its subsidiaries operate more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The airline's US hubs are located in New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam.

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