[SatNews] TAM Airlines has expanded its contract with OnAir, the in-flight connectivity service provider, to equip a range of single-aisle aircraft this year.

Following a successful pilot project, TAM will install OnAir's on-board connectivity system in 26 aircrafts, allowing passengers to telephone, text, and browse the Internet using their own BlackBerrys or Smartphones. The connected aircraft are expected to start flying in the second half of this year. TAM will set up a dedicated production line to install the system on the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft at its Technological Center in São Carlos, State of São Paulo. All the aircraft operate domestic routes and will fly to most of the 45 destinations covered by TAM in Brazil. OnAir is the first provider of services based on SwiftBroadband, the latest high-bandwidth satellite technology from Inmarsat, which offers GSM, Data and Internet.