Improve your text life : Virgin Atlantic 2 launch txt + email onbrd l8r this yr

Virgin Atlantic Airways has become the first British airline to offer passengers SMS texting and e-mail facilities onboard after signing an agreement with its service provider ARINC.

The service is now on board one plane and will be on four aircraft by the end of September, and then rolled out progressively across the fleet. 

All passengers will be able to send e-mails and SMS text messages from their seat-back television screen to e-mail addresses or mobile phone numbers on the ground.

Messages of up to 160 characters will be sent instantly from the aircraft and will only cost USD$2.50. 

Initially charges will be made by credit card with the airline planning to introduce pre-paid cards later this year. Passengers will be able to receive e-mails and text messages onboard beginning this fall. 

The new services will be integrated onto two IFE systems, one of them being the new Matsushita MAS3000 system which also provides passengers with up to 300 hours of video on demand, 14 audio on demand channels, 15 computer games including multi-player games, a quick find search facility and the largest seat-back television screen in both business class at 10.4" and in Economy at 9".

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic said: "Virgin Atlantic has always led the way with in-flight technology and entertainment and we will continue to deliver the most advanced in-flight entertainment experience available to passengers. 

"The introduction of e-mail and SMS text capabilities will enhance our award winning in-flight entertainment for all passengers, unlike other airlines who focus solely on those in business class. 

"In traditional Virgin style we'll add a fun element as well with our very own 'Good Text Guide' for tips on how to make the most out of your message." 

Virgin Atlantic Airways currently serves London from nine US Gateways:  

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, New York (JFK), Newark,
Washington DC (Dulles), Miami and Orlando.