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Jan. 2, 2004, Taipei, Taiwan- China Airlines and Connexion by
Boeing today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) that
will bring high-speed Internet connectivity to travelers on China
Airlines commercial flights in and out of Taiwan. The LOI calls
for the broadband data and entertainment service to be installed
on CAL!|s fleet of aircraft, starting with long-haul aircraft, beginning
in late 2004. China Airlines will be the first in Taiwan to introduce
this cutting-edge system.
By installing antenna on aircraft, Connexion system brings high-speed
Internet connectivity to in-flight users via satellite and ground
operation center. In the future, passengers using laptop computers
with wireless network cards in either First, Dynasty or Economy
class can enjoy high speed access to Internet by paying access
fee in home/office like environment.
!§As Internet technology improves, people depend on it more and
more in everyday life,!‥ said Brian Chou, Senior Vice President
of China Airlines. !§China Airlines is proud to be the first airline
in Taiwan to introduce in-flight mobile connectivity to better
serve the needs of its passengers.!‥
!§China Airlines is a clear leader in enhanced passenger service
in a market that continues to openly embrace and implement new
technologies,!‥ said Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson.
"We couldn!|t think of a better way to celebrate the new
year going forward than to proudly announce China Airlines as
our newest customer for in-flight mobile connectivity.!‥
Initially, the agreement with Connexion will cover CAL!|s long-haul
fleet, such as B747-400 and A340-300 aircraft, and CAL will extend
the service to other aircraft at a later date. The agreement outlines
connectivity on certain long-haul flights between Taipei and Europe,
and Taipei and North America. Specific routes will be announced
at a later date. In the interim, China Airlines and Connexion
by Boeing teams will work together to define the installation
schedule and levels of service that will be offered to CAL passengers.
Connexion by Boeing is a mobile information services provider
that brings broadband Internet, data and entertainment connectivity
to mobile travelers. In addition to China Airlines, Lufthansa,
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) and Japan Airlines have signed
on as customers for the fastest available in-flight Internet,
data and entertainment service. Singapore Airlines and All Nippon
Airways also have announced their intent to install the Connexion
by Boeing service on their long-haul fleets.
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