Spotlight: China Airlines Eyes In-flight Internet

China Airlines (CAL) became the latest customer of Connexion by Boeing by signing a letter of intent to obtain high-speed connectivity for travelers on the airline’s flights in and out of Taiwan.

The deal calls for the broadband data and entertainment service to be installed on the airline’s long-haul fleet of aircraft beginning later this year. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it marks the addition of another international carrier to the customer base of Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of Boeing [NYSE: BA] created to offer airline travelers mobile information services via satellite.

Teams from China Airlines and Connexion by Boeing will work together to define the installation schedule and levels of service to be offered to passengers.

Initially, the agreement with Connexion by Boeing will cover the airline’s long-haul fleet that includes Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-300 aircraft, but later it will be extended to other aircraft.

Connexion by Boeing is preparing to introduce commercial service early this year. Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines System and Japan Airlines have signed on as customers for the in-flight Internet, data and entertainment services. Singapore Airlines and All-Nippon Airways also have announced their intent to install the Connexion by Boeing service on their long-haul fleet of jetliners.

–Paul Dykewicz