United and Continental Airlines to get in-flight Wi-Fi

Staying connected in flights is something that travellers are always looking forward to. Panasonic Avionics has been selected to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to over 300 United Airlines and Continental Airlines mainline aircraft starting mid next year. United Continental Holdings also plan to enable wireless streaming of videos, all this by employing Panasonic’s Ku-band satellite technology. Initially, the Airbus 319, 320 and Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircrafts will be equipped with the Panasonic system.

In-flight Wi-Fi access

“Our customers tell us they value Wi-Fi,” said Jim Compton, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “As a global carrier, we selected satellite-based Ku-band technology to enable customers to stay connected on long-haul overseas flights, something no other U.S.-based international carrier currently offers.”

Needless to say, the in-flight hotspot will allow travellers to connect their Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices to internet. Although it is initiated with fewer aircraft, United Continental Holdings expects to cover the entire fleet by 2015.