Tenzing Communications, a provider of in-flight Internet solutions, announced Friday that it has delivered the first Airbus A330-300 aircraft fitted with email and Web capabilities.

Following a period of testing and certification, Cathay Pacific will put the aircraft into service later this year. Tenzing is also working with other airlines that fly Airbus aircraft, including Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, VARIG and Virgin Atlantic.

The present system features a wired LAN with seat-back data ports, allowing laptop users access at speeds of up to 1.5 Mbits/sec. As on competitor Boeing's system, connectivity is provided via a satellite dish that is automatically repositioned during flight.

"We are pleased to be the first airline in the world to offer a high-speed in-flight network," says Cathay Pacific product manager Sarah Blomfield. Cathay Pacific is engaged in revamping other aircraft, and will likely put its offering into service at the end of October, according to Laura Alikpala, director of marketing for Tenzing.

Tenzing is also testing wireless networks based on the 802.11b standard in conjunction with SAS, says Alikpala. Early indications are that the 2.4 GHz transmissions do not interfere with other aircraft systems; however, more testing and certification is necessary.

The advantages of 802.11b wireless networks in the sky would be substantial. Airlines would no longer need to wire seats with LAN cables and data ports, while passengers will be able to use the same wireless LAN cards that give them connectivity in an airport.