Panasonic Avionics will install its Ku-band satellite connectivity system on more than 300 United Airlines and Continental Airlines mainline aircraft beginning in 2012, the airline announced Friday.
The airline said it expects to install the Panasonic system on Airbus 319s and 320s and Boeing 747s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 787s. Customers will be able to use their wireless devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets onboard those aircraft to connect with internet service using the in-flight hotspot. The system will also enable wireless streaming of video content.
United Continental Holdings expects the entire mainline fleet will be equipped with Wi-Fi by 2015. Continental Airlines previously announced plans to install satellite-based Wi-Fi on more than 200 DIRECTV-equipped aircraft beginning in 2012.
"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."