A view from above

Connexion by Boeing brings live global TV to passenger laptops

BY JACK ARENDS

The Connexion by Boeing television service made a successful debut on July 20, aboard a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 flight from Singapore to London. Singapore Airlines (SIA) initially plans to deliver the service via the wireless Internet hotspots located aboard its airplanes; the TV service will be included, at no extra charge, with existing Connexion by Boeing applications. Eventually other airlines will offer the same service, accessed through passengers’ laptop computers and/or in-flight entertainment systems.

“We are now truly moving beyond the Internet with new services based on connectivity, changing the travel experience for passengers everywhere,” said Niels Steenstrup, director of product management for Connexion by Boeing.

The programming lineup, distributed across the Connexion by Boeing global network to Connexion customers on select SIA flights, includes four channels:

• BBC World, the British Broadcasting Corporation’s international news and information television channel.
• EuroNews, which covers top news, sports, business and European affairs stories.
• Eurosportnews, the sports news channel of the Eurosport Group.
• NBC Universal Cable, which is offering CNBC, CNBC Europe or CNBC Asia, depending on flight origination.

Connexion by Boeing President Laurette Koellner applauded the introduc-
tion of in-flight television and the benefits to air travelers.

“Our agreements with leading media organizations will provide quality televi-
sion programming for airline passengers, allowing them to receive the latest busness and sports news directly on their laptop computer,” Koellner said. “Being a well-informed traveler is essential for successfully conducting business today. Our Connexion by Boeing service, with its television content, addresses that need while providing additional options for passengers who want new entertainment choices in flight.”

Connexion by Boeing employees Tony Basilio, Randy Meyerson and Mike Ander-
son, with Eric Tong and Hung Yee Lim of Singapore Airlines, tested the system before its debut, using their laptops while flying on SIA routes across Asia and Europe.

jack.h.arends@boeing.com