MUMBAI: Japan Airlines has expanded its in-flight Internet connection service to flights between Tokyo-New York: the world's first service on a transpacific flight.
Provided by Connexion by Boeing Inc. (CBB) - a business unit of Boeing - the "JAL Inflight Internet Service", which took off today, enables passengers to use their own wireless LAN compatible personal computers during flights.

 
 
Using VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology, the "JAL Inflight Internet Service" also enables passengers to access securely their company's network, email and intranet site. Additionally, passengers can access free of charge JAL's in-flight portal site which contains a selection of content such as company product and service information, says a company release.
Initially the service will be available on alternate days but towards the end of June it will be available daily. JAL's Tokyo-New York route is popular with business travelers, who represent a high percentage of total passengers.

 
 
In 2003, JAL was the first Asian airline to reach an agreement with CBB to introduce in-flight Internet service and the airline introduced it on the Tokyo-London route on December 9, 2004. JAL will continue to expand this in-flight Internet connection service on Japan-Europe and Japan-North America routes, the release adds.
 
 
The in-flight internet service is catching up in Asia as well. All Nippon Airways started providing the service on flights between Tokyo and Shanghai in November. Plans are on the anvil to extend the service to its Tokyo-Los Angeles and Tokyo-New York routes. Singapore Airlines will kick off the service in mid-2005. Among Asian airline companies, Taiwan's China Airlines, South Korea's Asiana Airlines and Korean Air have signed deals with Boeing.