Singapore Airlines selects Connexion by Boeing for in-flight connectivity

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has selected Connexion by Boeing as its provider of choice for high-speed Internet-based communications on board. The letter of intent agreement calls for the Connexion by BoeingSM mobile information service to be installed on 40 of SIA’s long-haul jetliners with an undisclosed number of options for additional service installations.

Today’s announcement in Singapore precedes a definitive service agreement and establishes the framework for the power of in-flight broadband communications to be made available to SIA’s customers in 2004. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We applaud Singapore Airlines for its continued industry leadership in bringing innovative and value-added services to its passengers and we are pleased to be selected as one of their forward-looking service offerings,” said Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson. “They took a strong look at our business case and the value that connectivity could bring to passengers in the Asia-Pacific region, where technology adoption is tremendously high. In the end, the airline clearly recognized that it can further distinguish its levels of service from other airlines.”

Said Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President, Product and Services, Yap Kim Wah: “This project is part of the development of the Singapore airlines CyberCabinTM. With this partnership with Connexion by Boeing, we are challenging the boundaries of in-flight connectivity to offer our customers an even wider array of entertainment options. This technology will enable our customers to tap into broadband services that will allow them to surf the Internet, send and receive emails and view up to 12 broadcast television channels.”

In addition to the data services, Connexion by Boeing will provide SIA customers with real-time television. Installation of the service is expected to begin by the third quarter of 2004 and launched on commercial services shortly thereafter.

SIA plans to offer the Connexion by Boeing broadband service on all long-haul flights.