FAA says mobile devices usage may boost in-flight entertainment services

The FAA is taking a good new look at how the increasing use of mobile devices during flights may catalyze the spread of wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) services among airline companies.

IMS Report possessed an optimistic opinion of IFE. It claimed that by 2012, almost 9,000 aircraft will be able to provide IFE services.

According to the FAA, the major U.S-based carriers will continue adding connectivity services to their fleets. In-flight Wi-Fi and cellular communication services are expected to grow more common despite the myriad challenges they face.

The FAA expects 2013 will witness companies like Boeing rolling out their aircraft with the necessary equipment for Wi-Fi connectivity and use of cell phones during flight. Boeing, in particular, is predicted to make wireless media streaming a standard feature for its 2014 production run.

In related news, JetBlue Airways recently announced that it will be launching in-flight Wi-Fi aboard its flights with the help of ViaSat. The airline company claims its in-flight satellite Internet service offers the most bandwidth in the commercial aviation today. Other airlines turned to Gogo for in-flight Internet connectivity.