British Airways (BA) has announced plans to provide travellers with wireless internet access in its 80 airport lounges.

The deal with British Telecom (BT) will see commuters benefiting from BT Openzone wireless broadband stations across the UK, Europe, United States, South Africa and India.

Gatwick and Heathrow will be the first to join the scheme, their lounges being fitted with the technology by the end of April.

Steve Andrews, BT managing director, said: “This will be of benefit to our customers and shows that we are delivering on our promise to establish a widespread network of premium sites for BT Openzone.”

The deal follows a similar deal struck between BT and fast-food chain, McDonald’s, which has seen the technology introduced in a number of restaurants across the UK.

The wireless facilities will give instant internet and email connectivity to the hundreds of thousands of customers who use BA lounges every year.

Details: www.btplc.com