Virgin Australia reveals in-flight Wi-Fi plans

In-flight internet access is shaping up as a key battleground for Australia's two major airlines, with Virgin Australia announcing a trial of on-board Wi-Fi to match the service Qantas is close to launching. Virgin Thursday revealed plans to offer passengers Wi-Fi by connecting to Optus satellites on domestic and New Zealand flights and to global network providers Intelsat and SES for other international flights. The airline said it would next month begin a three-month trial of the technology on a single Boeing 737-800, its domestic workhorse, with installation of 2Ku antennas across its full fleet of 737-800s, 777s and Airbus A330s to follow. Qantas is close to launching its own Wi-Fi services across its domestic fleet of 737s, which will connect to NBN satellites. It had intended to start offering the service to some customers this week, but pushed the launch back because of "stability issues". Qantas said it remained on track for a domestic rollout from mid-year, but has not yet announced Wi-Fi plans for its international fleet. <br/>