China Airlines adds internet access

[Leadbelly 0]

Received this email from China Airlines (for those who may be interested...)-

 

 

 

June 25, 2005, Taipei, Taiwan Imagine sending and receiving e-mail on board an aircraft and performing on-line stock transactions, all while cruising at 36,000 feet. That dream is now possible, thanks to China Airlines and Connexion by Boeing¡∫s advanced technology.

 

China Airlines has launched a groundbreaking new service that allows passengers to broadband access the Internet while on board selective CAL flights. In cooperation with Connexion by Boeing, China Airlines has installed its first-ever high-speed Internet service, on a Boeing 747-400. Passengers carrying personal computers with wireless network cards can now enjoy the convenience of Internet while flying.

 

By installing antenna on aircraft, the Connexion system brings high-speed broadband Internet to CAL passengers via satellite and ground operation centers. By the end of 2005, more features will be available, including web TV channels and more entertainment options.

 

To promote the new service, China Airlines will offer a 30-minute trial on board the aircraft by the end of September to serve passengers with different needs. China Airlines also designs flexible rate plans for the new service. Passengers will have the option of paying for a full sector, or they can pay US$9.95 for the first half hour, and US$0.25 for each additional minute. For the full sector rate, a sector of less than 3 hours will cost US$14.95, a sector of 3-6 hours will be US$19.95, and a sector of more than 6 hours will cost US$29.95. Passengers can choose to pay by credit card, and Chunghua Telecom users can choose to pay by direct billing to monthly statement.

 

The first CBB-equipped aircraft will be dispatched on various China Airlines routes. Starting from October, all aircraft serving the Taipei-San Francisco route will be equipped with this state-of-the-art technology.

 

By the end of 2006, all 13 of CAL¡∫s B747-400 passenger jets will be installed with the new service. At that time, passengers travelling to destinations including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anchorage, Vancouver, Amsterdam and Japan can enjoy in-flight Internet service.

 

Currently, only six other airlines offer in-flight Internet service: Lufthansa, SAS, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. China Airlines becomes just the 7th carrier in the world to provide this cutting-edge technology.