Virgin America airline and EchoStar Communications Corp. will offer an 18-channel programming package starting Aug. 8 to afford passengers live, in-flight satellite entertainment, the companies announced July 20.

Programming will include sports, music and general entertainment on channels including Arts & Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television, Cable News Network, The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, ESPN and Cartoon Network.

Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America’s director of in-flight entertainment and partnerships said the airline’s “planes will offer more than just a static channel line-up:  With this partnership, every guest at every seat will have access” to live Dish Network satellite TV. Beyond that, the airline will offer pay-per-view movies, audio music entertainment with individual playlists, electronic games, and meals on demand.