Boeing gets green light for in-flight Net access

By Alun Williams

Posted on 9 May 2002 at 12:32

Boeing claims world's first approval for airborne, satellite-based broadband service.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has officially granted certification to the in-flight 'Connexion by Boeing' system.

Using a Boeing 737-400, testing and data analysis has been completed for providing passengers with high-speed Internet and intranet access, as well as general entertainment systems.

According to Ed Laase, director of System Development for Connexion by Boeing: 'One of the key messages we've heard from airlines around the world is 'you have to have a system that works right the first time - don't use us as the guinea pigs'. We've listened closely and this is why we're certifying and continuing testing on our 737 aircraft to ensure service readiness on day one.'

Carriers that have expressed an interest in Connexion by Boeing include Lufthansa, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta.