Up in the Air: Connectivity

Gogo has launched its Text & Talk technology, which enables passengers to use their smartphones onboard, but it remains to be seen if airlines will embrace the service.

Japan Airlines has announced that it is expanding its ‘JAL New Sky Project’, which will include a cabin interior refurbishment and installation of onboard Wi-Fi on some domestic flights.

JetBlue Airways became the first US airline to allow the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) from gate-to-gate following the lifting of restrictions by the FAA.

Following successful trials, Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus has permanently introduced mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity onboard its A330 services between Ireland and the US.

A new industry report from think tank IDATE says 43% of aircraft will have broadband connectivity by 2017, with LTE technology creating increased competition.

Passengers flying short-haul with Virgin Australia can now stream entertainment via their own mobile devices thanks to the launch of a new wireless IFE system.

Domestic air passengers in the UK could soon have access to superfast in-flight Wi-Fi under plans being explored by Ofcom, the communications watchdog. 

Passengers on Etihad Airways daily flights between New York and Abu Dhabi can now text, browse and call onboard, thanks to inflight data services from AeroMobile.