JetBlue has announced it will bring Wi-Fi to its fleet. The company will partner with ViaSat to install hardware that will enable broadband Internet and TV service on its 160 aircraft by the end of 2012. This all depends on the results of the required FAA testing and approval of the systems used.
“JetBlue is the perfect partner to introduce our next generation ViaSat-1 broadband network to the commercial aviation market,” said Mark Dankberg, ViaSat CEO and Chairman.
Competitors AirTran and Virgin America already offer in-flight Wi-Fi, with Delta and Southwest Airlines expected to bring it to their fleets before JetBlue can launch its service.
Further, ViaSat and LiveTV intend to partner to bring the same advance Ka-band satellite broadband services to the airline industry, including to LiveTV’s existing customer base of airlines.
“Combining LiveTV’s expertise in entertainment and content management with ViaSat’s satellite technology means we can create products and services for airline customers that are unparalleled in the industry today,” said Glenn Latta, LiveTV’s President.
What JetBlue will price its service at wasn’t disclosed. Competitors offer Wi-Fi for between $5 and $12 per flight.
