Brazilian airline TAM has announced it will offer free virtual flights in saddo paradise Second Life, Reuters reports.

The airline said yesterday the jaunts will set off from Berrini Island - where avatars will be greeted by "a virtual pilot and a flight attendant" - to islands called England, Milan, New York and Paris.

A spokesman explained: "Of course, avatars can fly there on their own, or we can take them there, free of charge, for which they get frequent flier points and gifts like a virtual aircraft or clothes. It's more of an institutional marketing tool, for people to learn about the airline's destinations, and for us to be present in this new online fever."

TAM reckons there are 200,000 Brazilians wandering aimlessly around Second Life, making it the world's "fourth-biggest community by country". ®

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