United Continental to expand Wi-Fi service next year

• Reprints

Continental Airlines will offer Wi-Fi service on more than 200 domestic Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft equipped with DIRECTTV next year, its parent company, United Continental Holdings Inc., said Tuesday.

Passengers flying within the continental U.S. will have onboard access to more than 95 channels of live television programming.

United Airlines, the airline holding company’s other subsidiary, now offers in-flight Internet service on 14 aircraft.

A letter of intent was signed with in-flight entertainment provider Live TV to offer the Continental service via Ka-band.

The expansion of in-flight Wi-Fi services underscores United Continental’s commitment to providing unique options, the company said.

The company continues to reconfigure United and Continental aircraft with new flat-bed seats in premium cabins, the company added, noting the seats are on 116 aircraft in the combined fleet.