Connexion by Boeing
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Connexion by Boeing was an in-flight online connectivity service from Boeing. This service allowed travellers to access a high-speed internet connection while on board a plane in flight through a wired Ethernet or a wireless 802.11 Wi-Fi connection. The infrastructure used a phased array antenna or a mechanically steered Ku-band antenna on the aircraft, leased satellite transponders, and ground stations. The service coverage included North America, North Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Pacific, Australia, and Asia.
Connexion by Boeing was first launched as a service May 17, 2004 with Lufthansa German Airlines. Later in 2004, ANA, Japan Airlines, and SAS signed on to the service. Other airlines which launched Connexion by Boeing service in 2005 include China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air. In the later months of 2005, El-Al Israel Airlines and Etihad Airlines offered the service. In 2005 Connexion by Boeing launched the first in-flight live TV on an international route on Singapore Airlines, to be expanded to all current airlines in the first quarter of 2006. Flying out of Germany, the service provided access to live TV for CNBC (Europe), EurosportNews, BBC World and Euronews.
The prices varied from airline to airline, but were typically $9.99 for one hour of access, $14.95 for two hours of access, $17.95 for 3 hours of access and $26.95 for flat-rate access. Various payment options were allowed. The service could be paid with major credit cards, mobile phone, hotspot accounts and even frequent flyer miles.
Boeing offered free service starting on October 2, 2006 as part of its plan to discontinue the service on December 31, 2006. [1]
The service had a live helpdesk chat feature available for customers who have troubles with their connections. Connexion sponsors the business travel blog, InFlightHQ.
Connexion by Boeing also extended its internet service to include the maritime market in 2005. The first maritime vessels equipped with Connexion by Boeing service were provisioned in 2006.
In June 26, 2006 it became public that Boeing was exploring selling or shutting down Connexion By Boeing, having failed to attract sufficient customers. [2]
On August 17, 2006, Boeing announced that it would discontinue its Connexion service, stating that, "the market for this service has not materialized as had been expected."[3]
