Virgin Atlantic Airways has a new agreement with ARINC to begin providing its new in-flight Wi-Fi solution, Cabin Connect, in early 2013.

Cabin Connect provides Internet access to airline passengers via their personal electronic devices. The system uses a hotspot portal with bandwidth offered by Inmarsat Swiftbroadband.

“We are especially delighted that Virgin Atlantic Airways, a long-term ARINC customer for more than 12 years, is the first company to confirm it will take Cabin Connect on trial. Virgin Atlantic Airways is an airline that is internationally recognized for its strong commitment to enhanced passenger communications and as such is a perfect fit to launch Cabin Connect,” said Lee Costin, director of satellite solutions and cabin services at ARINC.