JetBlue Airways and ViaSat on Thursday signed an MOU to equip the carrier's fleet of more than 160 Embraer 190s and A320s with an inflight broadband product they called "the first of its kind" in commercial aviation. The two parties intend to sign a definitive agreement by the end of the year.

Aircell struck deals with Air Canada and Delta Air Lines recently to provide its Gogo Internet service, which allows passengers to use Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs throughout flights. In September, Air Canada signed an agreement with Aircell to roll out its Gogo system on select flights next spring. The carrier plans to begin installing the system on A319s flying to the US and eventually on aircraft covering its North American and international markets.

Boeing has been forced to drop its plans for a wireless IFE system on the 787 after it was found that regulatory issues would preclude the system's being activated over certain countries. Problems also were encountered with bandwidth limitations in some areas as well as weight. The silver lining is that the change will save 150 lb. In October Boeing acknowledged some problems with the 787's weight and delivery schedule (ATWOnline, Oct. 26, 2006), forcing it to raise R&D spending to support suppliers.