Air China and Connexion by Boeing have reached a preliminary agreement to provide real-time, high-speed connectivity to air travelers traveling to and from China. The announcement in Beijing includes as many as 15 firm and optional retrofit installations on Air China’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and other long-haul aircraft models to be determined at a later date.

Aircraft installations are expected to begin in October 2006 and once completed, the Connexion by Boeing service will provide Air China passengers with in-flight access to the Internet, real-time email, instant messaging (IM), corporate intranet access, including virtual private network capability, and the ability to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues while enroute to their destination.

The initial aircraft installations will be completed in time for passengers to use the service in advance of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Service availability is expected on key routes between China and North America, Europe, the Middle East and throughout the Asia Pacific region.