Air Canada has become the first Canadian airline to offer in-flight Internet access to its passengers

The airline launched a 10-week trial period Friday during which select flights on the Montreal-Los Angeles and Toronto-Los Angeles routes will offer web surfing. Access will cost $9.95 (U.S.) for a PC and $7.95 for smartphones and PDAs. Initially, the service will only be available when flying over the territorial U.S.

At the end of the 10-week trial on Jan. 29, 2010, the airline will consider expanding the service to other routes.

"The ultimate rollout of our in-flight Internet service will be finalized pending the outcome of the trial period as well as obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and the development of ground infrastructure in Canada to provide a domestic network," Air Canada spokesperson Louise McKenven said in a release.

Initially, the system will be available on a U.S.-only high-speed mobile network for aviation.

Air Canada said it hopes to assist in the development of a Canadian air-to-ground network in the near future.

Meanwhile, Air Canada competitor WestJet said it has no immediate plans to offer wireless on its planes.

"We are watching the experience of other airlines at this point, and will continue to evaluate the concept in 2010," WestJet spokesperson Robert Palmer wrote in an email.

Read more about: