American Airlines give in-flight broadband the go-ahead

American Airlines have flown the first jet with commercial in-flight broadband since Boeing discontinued their Connexion broadband in 2006. American Airline’s Boeing 767-200 made a routine, scheduled round-trip from JFK Airport in New York to Los Angeles International on Wednesday.

American said they expect to launch broadband on all of their 15 Boeing 767-200 planes within a couple of months. Broadband will initially be available on domestic flights only between JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami. Termed ‘Gogo’, the service will cost $12.95 per flight, roughly £7 in proper British money.

Whilst the connection will initially be slower than home broadband, Aircell, who are responsible for in-flight broadband, promise speeds of up to 2Mbps, and say they will prioritise data to make sure one passenger doesn’t leave the rest trudging behind. Also there should be no annoying passengers talking loudly into Skype while you try to catch some shut-eye, because voice calls and chats are strictly banned. Anyone caught doing so will be blocked online, and cabin crew will be on hand to chastise anyone who flouts the rules.

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