March 2009
BA to pilot in-flight text and internet access
British Airways aims to provide in-flight text and internet access on new transatlantic flights.
British Airways aims to provide in-flight text and internet access on new transatlantic flights to be launched between London City Airport and New York in the autumn. But the airline will not be offering mobile phone calls on the business class flights.
BA, which claims to be the first UK airline to announce the introduction of a live communications service on transatlantic flights, will enable passengers to stay in touch via their own mobile phones or PDAs. They will also be able to access the internet and send emails from laptops fitted with GSM data cards.
BA have advised that voice calls may be allowed in the future subject to customer demand and feedback.
The new business class only services from London City airport to JFK will be launched later this year. The twice daily service will operate Sunday to Friday. Passengers can clear US customs and immigration at Shannon Airport in Ireland, where the aircraft will refuel on the westbound flight before arriving in the US. Eastbound flights will be non-stop.
