The Wall Street Journal-20080130-Continental Plans In-Flight Satellite TV- Wi-Fi

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Continental Plans In-Flight Satellite TV, Wi-Fi

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Continental Airlines Inc. said it will offer in-flight satellite television and Wi-Fi Internet access beginning in January 2009 through an agreement with LiveTV LLC, a unit of JetBlue Airways Corp.

Continental said the programming will be available on U.S. flights at every seat on next-generation aircraft. Satellite television will be free in first class, and will be available to economy-class customers for a $6 fee.

LiveTV services are already being used on JetBlue's aircraft, and are also available on WestJet, Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc., Virgin Blue and AirTran. Also, Southwest Airlines Co. said this month that it will test Internet connectivity on four aircraft this summer.

Continental will offer various channels from DirecTV Group Inc. The in-flight entertainment system also will offer a moving map and other stored informational and entertainment content. Terms of the deal with LiveTV weren't disclosed.

In addition, Continental said LiveTV is testing Wi-Fi connectivity services that will allow access to email and instant messaging. Unlike the satellite television service, Internet access will be free for all passengers, Continental said.