British Airways to offer in-flight texting

Long-distance flying once meant third-rate Hollywood flicks and that hastily-purchased novel from the WH Smith concession. Now it means a chance to catch up with your email and browse your favourite sites. Well, if you travel on BA anyway. British Airways has announced it is to launch in-flight mobile data, which is good news for BlackBerry addicts, not such great news for anyone annoyed by continual key taps. The service is being trialled on the business class service from London City to New York’s JFK airport, which kicks off in autumn, rolling out further 'depending on how successful it is.' But not until 2012 at the earliest, when new aircraft are delivered. The service, which offers texting and web access via a smartphone or GSM-enabled laptop, is run in conjunction with OnAir - who also offer a service for both RyanAir and BMI. Don't expect it to be a freebie either, prices are dependent on your mobile network and linked in with international roaming rates. On a long haul, that ... (link)