Last week I mentioned that Aircell had completed its network to allow coast-to-coast coverage for its in-flight broadband service. Today Aircell announced that it has received two critical FAA approvals needed before the service can be rolled out to passengers on Virgin American and American Airlines flights.

Aircell sys that it is the first and only communications operator to receive approvals from the FAA to provide Air-to-Ground in-flight broadband service for US domestic flights. The two approvals received include a Supplemental Type Certificate permitting installation and operations of the network on commercial Boeing 767-200 aircraft.

The second approval is a Parts Manufacture Approval authorizing the manufacture of aircraft parts at the Aircell facility in Bensenville, IL. "Many critical milestones were announced today and last week," said Cruz. "Collectively, with the network milestones and legal approvals, we confirmed Aircell's Broadband System is here now, it's proven, it is cost effective and it can work for all U.S.-based airlines."

Via Aircell