Connexion by Boeing and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
announced today that SAS will be the first international carrier to introduce
the Connexion by BoeingSM wireless in-flight Internet service to the
Seattle market on flights between Seattle and Copenhagen, Denmark.“We are marking a new era in travel and aviation history as we rapidly
expand North American availability of high-speed in-flight connectivity
though our partnerships with SAS and our other airline customers,” said
Connexion by Boeing President Laurette Koellner. “Not only are we
opening a new world of possibilities for passengers traveling from Seattle
to Europe to more fully enjoy their travel experience - we are also
enabling these airlines to use technology to further reduce operational
costs by relying on simple wireless networks instead of complex, hard-
wired cabin solutions.”
The equipping of the Scandinavian air carrier’s long-haul aircraft with
Connexion by Boeing’s high-speed in-flight Internet service means Pacific
Northwest passengers going to and from Europe will now have access to
the World Wide Web; two-way, real-time e-mail and their corporate
intranet, including virtual private network capability. Users can choose from
a flat rate of US $29.95 dollars for the entire flight or a metered option of
US $9.95 for 30 minutes and 25 cents per minute thereafter.
“We are excited to bring our customers more ways to spend their time in-
flight and stay in touch with the office, friends and family from the air,” said
Palle Christensen, vice president and general manager, Western U.S. and
Canada, Scandinavian Airlines. “Additionally, this market is especially
important to SAS because it is home to our two largest corporate accounts
in North America, Boeing and Microsoft. This service will give their
employees the tools and technology they need to take their in-flight
productivity to new heights while also providing new avenues of web-
based entertainment for leisure travelers.”
SAS initially began offering the Connexion by Boeing service late last year
on select flights between Seattle and Copenhagen and plans to complete
the service installation aboard its long-haul fleet, which includes Airbus
A340 and A330 aircraft, by March 2005.
“My experience using the new Wi-Fi service from Connexion by Boeing on a
SAS flight was no different than if I’d been sitting in my office on the
ground,” explained Julian Gregory, a London-based businessman and
frequent business traveler. “The service was fast, affordable and easy to
log on to - plus, I was able to communicate with my colleagues and get a
ton of work done just sitting in my airplane seat.”
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