• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, January 15, 2007

Another airline has signed on for live, in-flight TV. Virgin America, the yet-to-launch domestic sister carrier to globe-trotting Virgin Atlantic, will be the latest low-cost carrier to offer it. The airline, which plans to launch this spring, will offer a slate of simulcast channels delivered by satellite operator Dish Network.

In 1999, JetBlue became the first bargain airline to differentiate itself via live TV on personal screens, with 24 channels free from DirecTV. Frontier Airlines also offers service from DirecTV (but charges $5 for use).

Delta's defunct Song brand had offered a feed from Dish, but the planes, now flying under the Delta banner, continue to carry the programming.

In addition to the channels, Virgin America will also offer customers access to pay-per-view films. The TV service will carry a surcharge.

Most major airlines have opted against the increased costs of offering live TV feeds--instead continuing with the tradition of taped compilations of programming, often from broadcast networks.

A Virgin rep says there will be some ad opportunities, but not on the Dish feed.

JetBlue originally offered 24 channels, but has expanded its palate to 36. The slate includes the leading cable channels, such as ESPN, USA and FX, as well as broadcast feeds. It's possible to begin watching a World Series game on Fox upon takeoff in New York--and if it's an extra-inning affair, watch the final out and continue with post-game coverage until landing in Southern California.