Brazilian carrier TAM is to fit OnAir connectivity across its future Airbus A350s as part of a broad agreement to equip its long-haul fleet with the system.
It claims it will be the first airline in the Americas to offer a full range of passenger connectivity services on its long-haul jets.
The operator started conducting a four-aircraft trial on its short-haul fleet towards the end of last year and subsequently opted to fit additional Airbus A320-family jets with the mobile phone capability.
But the airline is to extend the agreement to its long-haul fleet which will include 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Airbus A330-200s and 27 A350-900s.
The long-haul fit will enable passengers to take advantage of wi-fi services when roll-out begins in the second half of next year.
Along with 31 A320-family jets being equipped, the OnAir system will feature on 80 aircraft in the Brazilian airline's fleet.
"There is no doubt that in-flight connectivity will become ubiquitous and we are determined to lead the way," said TAM supply and contracts vice-president Jose Zaidan Maluf.
TAM is to submit a request for long-haul installation having already secured approval for the short-haul fit. It added that all the necessary telecom and roaming agreements are in place.
"We are the only in-flight connectivity services provider to have customers on five continents, meaning we are the only truly global provider," said OnAir chief Ian Dawkins.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
