Italian airline Alitalia this month will begin passenger demonstrations of AirTV‘s in-flight Internet access following the service’s validation on one of the airline’s Boeing 767s.

AirTV uses satellites to offer high-speed global Internet connectivity and in-flight entertainment for airlines in a phased program that will include real-time TV, audio, Internet, e-mail and flight information services.

The AirTV e-mail service was demonstrated Dec. 23on an Alitalia 767 during a dedicated test flight over Italy. Internet connection was from a seat in the aircraft’s business class using a laptop computer. The Italian airline plans to eventually equip its long-haul fleet with the AirTV Internet service.