Connectivity Post-Connexion

This article examines the state of broadband connectivity in the skies, and reflects on Boeing’s decision in 2006 to scrap Connexion, which was installed on 156 aircraft in 2001. Connexion, which cost $400,000 per aircraft to install, offered access to the Internet at each seat for passengers with laptop computers or other handheld devices. Passengers were charged a flat fee of $26.95, or $9.95 per hour. It failed financially. The author suggests that other companies, such as Panasonic, which plans to launch a broadband service at the end of 2006, might succeed, having learned at Boeing’s expense what pitfalls exist in the business model. The article describes other new entrants into the business or providing Internet to passengers, including OnAir and AeroMobile.