It seems that from October last year, Qantas A380 Melbourne to Los Angeles has offered 'cached internet content along with accessing web-based email and chat services' but their prior plan for live internet has been put on hold while till later this year while they work out filtering systems to avoid 'questionnable' sites being accessed as happened at American Airlines, who offer access for US$12.95.
Apparently Qantas is also considering the Sydney - London A380 route for live internet access later this year. We don't know the costs to the traveller yet,but I for one would definitely pay for access! It sounds like it is only mobile internet available on A380 whereas the new Boeing Dreamliner 787 may be fitted to provide access for laptops later this year.
The airline for my flights, Virgin Atlantic, may be talking with Aircell about the Gogo Inflight Internet who provide internet via an air-to-ground (ATG) link.
Aircell/Gogo is already the provider for Virgin America, American Airlines and soon United, Delta and Air Canada. This article suggests a trial by late 2010.So it's all great if you live in the US, but it's probably not ready in time for SYD - LHR next Thursday then!
