In-flight Email and Instant Messaging Takes Off With JetBlue

It's officially time to declare today's culture addicted to the Internet and staying connected: U.S. airline JetBlue has activated a wireless network on one of its Airbus A320 planes so you can stay leashed to your email in flight. Digital Journal -- Partnering with Yahoo and "Crackberry" maker Research in Motion, JetBlue is giving airline passengers access to email and instant messaging from the skies. The aptly named "BetaBlue" is the airline's test bird for the company's foray into in-flight communications. The testing phase will take place over several months before JetBlue decides if a fleet-wide installation is ready for take-off. Perhaps most interesting are the partners, as Yahoo and RIM seem to be looking to create (and instantly monopolize) an entirely untapped an lucrative market. Laptop computers that use Yahoo Mail or Messenger will be able to send or receive email to people still on terra firma. And if you are using a Wi-Fi-ready BlackBerry, you will be able to instant message and get scoldings from the boss via BlackBerry email while in flight. JetBlue recently conducted a test flight on the East Coast in the U.S. in which a company spokesman (read advertiser guinea pig) was able to send an email, and then get a reply. The service will be rolled out next week. JetBlue's service is currently free of charge, and the company is the first airline to start testing the email and IM waters. Others are still talking about similar services and what, if anything, to charge for them. The airline industry is about to become very competitive in this area, as reports indicate JetBlue's test run is part of an overall sky race to attract passengers with high-tech bells and whistles. American Airlines, Virgin America and Alaska Airlines say they will offer in-flight Internet access in 2008, however it remains to be seen what heavy traffic would do to an airplane's Internet hub. It looks like airline passengers everywhere will soon be able to enjoy receiving offers to fix erectile dysfunction from 35,000 feet.