Just days after the first commercial testing of JetBlue's in-flight Wi-Fi service, the soon-to-be released study of Freesky Research projects that airline passengers will send more than 60 million text messages in 2010.


More importantly, in-flight text messaging will soon become a necessity to satisfy business travelers. According to author of the report, David Gross:

"Unlike seatback TVs, and even in flight audio, which many major carriers have decided are not worth copying, large airlines will feel pressure on one side from low cost carriers, many of which are developing text and e-mail services, and on the other side from large business jet owners, many of which already offer their employees Internet access on board company planes. Text messaging, e-mail, and other productivity applications will eventually become as important to serving high yield customers as lie-flat beds in first class, and elite status benefits for frequent fliers."

In addition, different pricing models will emerge and bundling with frequent flier program is a big possibility. Using the SMS rates for international roaming is also a logical pricing strategy.

Photo from Robert Stolarik for The New York Times