Up in the Air: Connectivity

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.