American to Trial Inflight Broadband Communications

posted: 01 August 2007 06:23 pm ET

: American Airlines will install the AirCell in-flight broadband communications trial equipment on Boeing 767-200s like this one. This particular 767-200, which American Airlines retired several years ago, was used to test BAE Systems' JETEYE, a missile defense system adapted from military use. Credit: AP Photo/Rex C. Curry

American Airlines has signed a memorandum of intent with AirCell, LLC, to be the first U.S. airline to test the capability of providing passengers with AirCell's high-speed broadband connectivity.

The test will be conducted in 2008 on American's Boeing 767-200 aircraft, which primarily fly transcontinental routes.

"We understand that broadband connectivity is important to our business customers and others who want to use their PDAs and laptops for real-time, inflight broadband communications," said Dan Garton, American's executive vice president - marketing. "This is part of our continuing effort to enhance the travel experience for our customers and meet their evolving needs."

The solution will provide passengers with a high-speed Internet connection, virtual private network (VPN) access and e-mail capabilities through Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDA devices.

American Airlines says the system has the ability to adapt as technology evolves. The technology will be available in all classes of its 767-200 aircraft for a fee. If the connectivity solution is successful, it could be extended to the rest of American's domestic fleet.

The technology from AirCell is subject to strict requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration through an exclusive license from the Federal Communications Commission. Both agencies oversee the use of broadband and wireless signals by aircraft flying over the continental United States.

AirCell's technology will use three antennas installed on the outside of the aircraft. Two will be on the bottom of the aircraft and one will be on top. AirCell will provide cellular towers throughout the continental United States to transmit the signal.

The signals received inside the cabin will be 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi signals.