Watching TV at 35,000 feet

Thu, 25 May 2006 09:09:11 -0700

Last week I was reading an article on the 2^nd anniversary of the introduction of broadband Internet service on Lufthansa aircraft.

The online, in-flight service -- which has proven so popular that Lufthansa is now offering it on nearly 80% of its long-haul flights -- is provided by Connexion by Boeing (CbB). The CbB system uses geosynchronous satellites to connect to the Internet, with a Wi-Fi hotspot on the aircraft itself. SES AMERICOM plays a critical role in delivering the airborne internet; Connexion by Boeing utilizes our AMC-23 satellite to provide high-speed access to customers flying over the Pacific Ocean. (AMC-23 was designed and specified in conjunction with CbB to provide Ku-band coverage of major air routes across the Pacific Ocean).

That satellite connection -- and SES is proud to play a role in delivering it -- is changing the way people travel, and becoming a “must have” amenity for many business travelers. One recent study conducted by Boeing found that:

83 percent of those surveyed said that the availability of the Connexion by Boeing service will have an impact on future travel plans and their choice of airline carrier;
94 percent said they plan to use the service again on a future flight;
78 percent said that the service's speed met or exceeded their expectations.

Ed's blog

Watching TV at 35,000 feet