Scandinavian Airlines and Connexion by Boeing bring In-Flight Internet Access to Seattle Passengers

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is to be the first international carrier to introduce the Connexion by Boeing wireless in-flight Internet service to the Seattle market on flights between Seattle and Copenhagen, Denmark – one of the most frequented “gateway” routes to Europe from the Pacific Northwest.

“We are marking a new era in travel and aviation history as we rapidly expand North American availability of high-speed in-flight connectivity though our partnerships with SAS and our other airline customers,” said Connexion by Boeing President Laurette Koellner. “Not only are we opening a new world of possibilities for passengers traveling from Seattle to Europe to more fully enjoy their travel experience – we are also enabling these airlines to use technology to further reduce operational costs by relying on simple wireless networks instead of complex, hard-wired cabin solutions.”

The equipping of the Scandinavian air carrier’s long-haul aircraft with Connexion by Boeing’s high-speed in-flight Internet service means Pacific Northwest passengers going to and from Europe will now have access to the World Wide Web; two-way, real-time e-mail and their corporate intranet, including virtual private network capability. Users can choose from a flat rate of US $29.95 dollars for the entire flight or a metered option of US $9.95 for 30 minutes and 25 cents per minute thereafter.

“We are excited to bring our customers more ways to spend their time in-flight and stay in touch with the office, friends and family from the air,” said Palle Christensen, vice president and general manager, Western U.S. and Canada, Scandinavian Airlines. “Additionally, this market is especially important to SAS because it is home to our two largest corporate accounts in North America, Boeing and Microsoft. This service will give their employees the tools and technology they need to take their in-flight productivity to new heights while also providing new avenues of web-based entertainment for leisure travelers.”

SAS initially began offering the Connexion by Boeing service late last year on select flights between Seattle and Copenhagen and plans to complete the service installation aboard its long-haul fleet, which includes Airbus A340 and A330 aircraft, by March 2005.

"My experience using the new Wi-Fi service from Connexion by Boeing on a SAS flight was no different than if I’d been sitting in my office on the ground,” explained Julian Gregory, a London-based businessman and frequent business traveler. “The service was fast, affordable and easy to log on to – plus, I was able to communicate with my colleagues and get a ton of work done just sitting in my airplane seat.”

See other recent news regarding: Boeing, SAS