The good news for air travelers: JetBlue has just announced a plan to install satellite-based WiFi internet access on their planes that it promises will deliver “the industry’s best in-flight broadband for commercial aviation.” The not as good news: It’s going to take a while.

JetBlue has partnered with a company called ViaSat to roll out this technology in their planes. But the very fact that it is new tech is what will keep it from being a reality for over a year.

From NorthJersey.com:

The system first has to be tested and then certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. JetBlue and ViaSat expect to begin rollout on the fleet’s more than 160 planes by mid-2012. It’s unclear how long it will take to complete — or how much customers will have to pay for the access.

According to a rep for the airline, when this new WiFi is up and running, “It will probably feel much like what you have at home.”

JetBlue plans to install broadband WiFi [NorthJersey.com]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.