American Airlines has activated free live TV on its first 100 domestic aircraft, with plans to extend live TV and high-speed internet across its long-term mainline narrow-body fleet of more than 700 aircraft during 2019.

American is already the only United States-based airline to offer live TV on international flights.

Twelve live TV channels powered by DISH on are now on offer on domestic flights, including Bravo, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, Telemundo, TNT and USA.

All channels stream directly to customers’ laptops, phones or tablets free of charge.

Live TV is easy to use and available from gate to gate – customers can choose it from American’s line-up of free entertainment that includes hundreds of movies and on-demand television shows.

“Our customers have told us they want a living room experience in the air – the ability to watch free entertainment, stream their favourite shows on-demand, charge their phones and stay connected from start to finish during their travels,” said Kurt Stache, senior vice president, American Airlines.

“Free live TV on our mainline domestic fleet is the latest step in making that a reality, and it complements the live TV we offer on all of our international widebody flights today.

“We are working quickly to update every part of our fleet to give our customers excellent entertainment and connectivity options no matter where they fly with us.”

Free live TV is now available on more than 100 aircraft equipped with Gogo 2Ku high-speed Wi-Fi including all 48 Airbus A320s, which are receiving in-seat power during 2019.

It is also available on more than 60 A319s, which have power outlets in every row.

American’s entire long-haul international fleet features the best of sports and news with five channels including CNNi, BBC and Sport24.

American will add free live TV to aircraft equipped with Viasat high-speed Wi-Fi, bringing both of these features to American’s long-term mainline narrow-body fleet during 2019.

American has high-speed Wi-Fi on 240 aircraft including all A321T three-class transcontinental aircraft.