Air China Selects Connexion by Boeing as its In-Flight Internet Service Provider

BEIJING, Feb. 10, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — Air China has tapped Connexion by Boeing, a unit of Boeing (NYSE: BA), to provide real-time, high-speed connectivity to air travelers traveling to and from China.

Boeing said the agreement includes as many as 15 firm and optional retrofit installations on Air China's Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and other long-haul aircraft models to be determined at a later date. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Aircraft installations are expected to begin in October 2006 and once completed, the Connexion by Boeing service will provide Air China passengers with in-flight access to the Internet, real-time email, instant messaging (IM), corporate intranet access, including virtual private network capability, and the ability to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues while enroute to their destination.

The initial aircraft installations will be completed in time for passengers to use the service in advance of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Service availability is expected on key routes between China and North America, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Vice president of Commercial Airline Business Lianne Stein said in addition to showcasing how Air China aircraft are equipped with the latest in communication technology, the agreement also will help to ensure that visitors to the 2008 Olympics have the ability to truly share their personal travel experience while enroute to and from the region.

In recent months, China has demonstrated significant momentum in its aviation market as airlines in the China market continue to update their fleet of aircraft to support travel on key international routes. Strong growth in the commercial airline sector is anticipated over the next several decades with new airliners needed to meet the anticipated boon in air travel.

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