Boeing has snared a fourth customer for its Connexion Internet and communications service, announcing a deal to install satellite links on 80 Deutsche Lufthansa AG jets.
"The agreement calls for the breakthrough broadband communication service to be installed on Lufthansa's intercontinental fleet," Boeing said in a statement at the Paris air show.
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Boeing last week announced that the three biggest US airlines had signed for the service, which is intended to supply a broadband satellite link to planes in flight, offering passengers Internet services and other entertainment options.
"The initial installation will be a Lufthansa 747 aircraft, which will be equipped with the service to conduct a three-month development programme prior to installation on the fleet," Boeing said.
European plane maker Airbus last week launched a rival Internet service, which uses only a narrow-band link but is available immediately. Connexion services will not be installed until next year. Much of the value in these services lies in giving business travellers the opportunity to work while in the air, sending and receiving emails and, in the case of Connexion, using their company's own Web site.
Armed forces, especially navies, have been using mobile satellite communications for decades. Connexion could have a military market.
