United Airlines launched satellite-based Wi-Fi Internet on its first of its international widebody aircraft.
The initial deployment is on a Boeing 747 serving trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes. The aircraft is outfitted with Panasonic Avionics Corporation's Ku-band satellite technology.
United has also outfitted Ku-band satellite Wi-Fi on two Airbus 319 aircraft serving domestic routes and aims to to complete installation of satellite-based Wi-Fi on 300 mainline aircraft by the end of this year.
Customers have the choice of two speeds: Standard, priced initially between $3.99 and $14.99 depending on the duration of flight, and Accelerated, priced initially between $5.99 and $19.99 and offering faster download speeds than Standard.
