BLOG: Airline Wi-Fi and Kung Fu
By Jim Donovan: American Airlines is testing a new inflight streaming system that will give customers the option to wirelessly stream content such as movies and TV shows from an inflight library to their personal Wi-Fi-enabled devices during flight.
The new inflght video system has been installed on two Boeing 767-200 aircraft used on transcontinental services. Customer testing will begin in early summer. American hopes to roll out the system on its Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft this fall pending FAA approval.
By the way, American is expanding inflight Wi-Fi to its narrow body fleet, including additional 50 MD80 and 93 domestic Boeing 757-200 aircraft. Installation will begin this summer and continue through 2012.
And while we're talking about airlines, I have a warning for you. If you're going to act up on flight, don't do it on Hong Kong Airlines. The carrier is teaching kung fu to its flight crews!
Flight attendants are taking introductory classes in wing chun. Wing chun has been practiced in China for hundreds of years. It involves learning striking and grappling moves and simultaneous defence and attack.
Apparently is should come in handy. Hong Kong Airlines says it deals with about 3 drunk or disruptive passengers every week.
The airline has even incorporated the wing chun moves in a new TV commercial. I found it on You Tube, take a look:
