Delta gives wing to work

Delta Air Lines is gearing up to become the first air carrier to let travelers extend their computing in the air without worrying about drained batteries.

As part of a six-month test, Delta is offering the EmPower In-Seat Power Supply system to first-class passengers who fly on its Boeing 767 jets.

"If the tests go well and we find there is a positive response, we could very well expand it to other aircrafts and other classes," Delta spokesman Kip Smith said.

Airlines are increasingly making it easier to work onboard, providing phones and fax capabilities. One of the basic problems with working on a computer in flight is battery life, which often does not last the length of longer flights.

Delta's system, developed by Olin Aerospace, was designed exclusively for commercial aircraft and supplies a power source at each seat. Passengers simply request an adapter from flight attendants and plug in.

Olin designed the system so that it will not interfere with other laptops or the aircraft's power system. The units are small and can be installed in all cabins, regardless of class.