Virgin America, the first U.S. airline to offer in-flight internet access, is testing a new digital in-flight entertainment system that will let passengers access the Web via the seat-back display, in addition to personal electronic devices.

The new system, Red, will be rolled out in 2012. Also in the works are applications for easy use of Facebook, Twitter, and other social network sites. GigaOm points out that Virgin's announcement is low on specifics, but they say that the new system will allow unfettered access to the Web pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight.

Virgin found that many of its passengers multitask during their flights, using both the entertainment system in the seat back and the Internet connection on their personal devices. So it follows that many of their planned updates will cater to this need. And approximately one-third of current passengers use the airline's in-flight Internet offerings via their own electronic devices, so the company sees a demand for additional access via the planes' entertainment system. Currently, passengers have to pay for the service.

No phone or laptop? Virgin America to add Wi-Fi to seat-back displays [GigaOm]
Virgin America Unveils Plans for Next Gen In-Flight Entertainment [Mashable]