WebProNews

American Airlines says it will begin testing in-flight Internet access next year on its Boeing 767-200 aircraft.

The carrier will use AirCell's broadband Internet service on planes that primarily fly transcontinental routes. AirCell Chief Executive Jack Blumenstein said the company can provide Internet access for about $10 per user.

"Airline customers across the U.S. list broadband access in flight as one of their top wishes," said Blumenstein. "As the first airline to deploy broadband access, American is demonstrating its commitment to the business traveler and to its industry-leading position in technological innovation."

American says Internet access will be available on all of the Boeing 767 aircraft and if the test is successful they could extend the service to the rest of American's domestic fleet.

Earlier this month JetBlue announced it was partnering with Yahoo and Research in Motion (Rim) to offer in-flight email and instant-messaging services on one of its planes equipped with a wireless network. The carrier also has plans to install the system on its entire fleet if things go well.