Jan 6 (Reuters) - American Airlines AAL.O said on Tuesday it would launch free in-flight Wi-Fi in partnership with telecom firm AT&T T.N for customers enrolled in the carrier's loyalty program.

Airlines are increasingly competing on free onboard internet access as they vie for loyalty-driven customers.

"Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn't just a perk — it's essential for today's travelers," Heather Garboden, chief customer officer of American Airlines, said in a statement.

In 2023, Delta Air Lines DAL.N became the first major U.S. carrier to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi in partnership with T-Mobile TMUS.O. In 2025, United Airlines UAL.N partnered with Elon Musk's Starlink for in-flight internet services.

American Airlines said the rollout of Wi-Fi would begin in January and be available on nearly all of its flights by early spring.

(Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)

((Aishwarya.Jain@thomsonreuters.com;))