Following successful service demonstrations with major airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways earlier this year, Connexion by Boeing signed a contract with Intelsat for satellite connectivity. This arrangement will enable airborne travellers to access high-speed Internet and data services via Intelsat's powerful 907 satellite at 332.5ºE, the newest spacecraft in Intelsat's global fleet.

The contract includes two transponder leases using 907's Ku-band Spot 1 beam for real-time transmission and reception of web pages, e-mail, data and entertainment content. Passengers will be able to quickly connect their laptops or Internet-enabled PDAs to wireless LANs or Ethernet jacks inside equipped airplanes; with end-user speeds comparable to land-based cable modem; or DSL service. The satellite connectivity may also be used by airline crews for efficient communications with ground operations.

Intelsat Ltd. COO Ramu Potarazu said: "I believe this service is going to radically change the air travel experience and it has opened a new opportunity for the satellite industry. We worked closely with Connexion by Boeing to ensure that the quality and speed of our satellite connections met or exceeded their requirements for successful commercial roll-out."

Connexion by Boeing director of supplier management Jeff Flagel said, "For a consumer-facing service such as ours, where quality, speed of service and continuous connectivity is crucial, having a reliable satellite service provider is paramount. We truly appreciated Intelsat's flexibility during the service demonstrations and their willingness to re-point a Ku-band spot beam to serve us on the important North Atlantic route once commercial service commences in early 2004."