Boeing ends Connexion in-fight internet
Boeing's inflight internet service bids goodbye.
The market for in-flight internet service has not progressed enough, says Boeing. We suspect a few security fears too are involved.
This was supposed to be an inevitable feature of modern air travel - in-flight internet. In fact, those in the tech world would find it hard to believe that the market for in-flight internet has not matured. However, that is what Boeing says.
Connexion was launched with much fanfare, and several airlines such as the Deutsche Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, All-Nippon Airways and China Airlines were some of the carriers using the in-flight internet service.
Boeing's statement implied that the service was actually financially benefical, and that it would lift the company's earnings slightly.
What we suspect is that the changed security einvironment after the uncovering of the London terror plot is a factor in this. Everything from gels to iPods are considered potential security hazards - who is to say that terrorists would not use an inflight internet feature too, to communicate with their peers?
Anyway, its goodbye Connexion, for now. Let us hope this was a pure business decision, and has nothing to do with what we have come up with - because if we are right, then in-flight internet may have kissed us goodbye forever.
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