Starting in 2013 Air France- KLM plans to test, in partnership with Panasonic Avionics, a program that brings on-board connectivity to the airlines’ long-haul flights.

The experimental project will allow passengers to connect to the internet, send emails and SMS text messages, and, eventually, watch TV shows on their computer.

A special in-flight website will allow users to access numerous services such as news, TV channels, airline information, as well as a destinations guide and a selection of digital magazines.

This new service will be tested in 2013 on two Boeing aircraft, one flying the Air France colors, the other those of KLM.

Passengers will be invited to test the technology using their smartphone, laptop or tablet for a fee and will then be asked to provide their opinion on the features. Air France-KLM hopes to ultimately roll out the services across its entire long-haul fleet.