Boeing and Vodafone have joined test high-speed Wi-Fi aboard Boeing aircraft through the latter's Connexion service.
The trials of the new program will begin in December on Lufthansa flights to and from Europe, with other carriers expected to equip for the service including Japan Air Lines, ANA, China Airlines, Kingdom Holding Co., Korean Air, and Asiana.
"We are excited to work with Vodafone, which is a key global player in Europe and Asia, and to work toward a successful implementation of our services for their customers," said Boeing vice president of direct sales David Friedman in an announcement.
"Following successful trials and Vodafone entering into a commercial agreement with us, Vodafone customers will be able to access the Connexion by Boeing service on equipped commercial flights as we introduce high-speed in-flight connectivity worldwide," Friedman said.
Boeing said the trial would "test the Vodafone customer experience with the Connexion by Boeing real-time, in-flight Internet service, which operates in a similar manner to ground based public Wi-Fi." Upon getting the full service agreement between Boeing and Vodafone, Vodafone customers can get online or their corporate networks and have their sessions billed to their Vodafone accounts.
