Chicago, USA | April 5, 2019– As we work closely with customers and global regulators to return the 737 MAX to service, we continue to be driven by our enduring values, with a focus on safety, integrity and quality in all we do.

We now know that the recent Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accidents were caused by a chain of events, with a common chain link being erroneous activation of the aircraft’s MCAS function. We have the responsibility to eliminate this risk, and we know how to do it. As part of this effort, we’re making progress on the 737 MAX software update that will prevent accidents like these from ever happening again. Teams are working tirelessly, advancing and testing the software, conducting non-advocate reviews, and engaging regulators and customers worldwide as we proceed to final certification. I recently had the opportunity to experience the software update performing safely in action during a 737 MAX 7 demo flight.  We’re also finalizing new pilot training courses and supplementary educational material for our global MAX customers. This progress is the result of our comprehensive, disciplined approach and taking the time necessary to get it right.

As we continue to work through these steps, we’re adjusting the 737 production system temporarily to accommodate the pause in MAX deliveries, allowing us to prioritize additional resources to focus on software certification and returning the MAX to flight. We have decided to temporarily move from a production rate of 52 airplanes per month to 42 airplanes per month starting in mid-April.

At a production rate of 42 airplanes per month, the 737 program and related production teams will maintain their current employment levels while we continue to invest in the broader health and quality of our production system and supply chain.

We are coordinating closely with our customers as we work through plans to mitigate the impact of this adjustment. We will also work directly with our suppliers on their production plans to minimize operational disruption and financial impact of the production rate change.

In light of our commitment to continuous improvement and our determination to always make a safe industry even safer, I’ve asked the Boeing Board of Directors to establish a committee to review our company-wide policies and processes for the design and development of the airplanes we build.  The committee will confirm the effectiveness of our policies and processes for assuring the highest level of safety on the 737-MAX program, as well as our other airplane programs, and recommend improvements to our policies and procedures.

The committee members will be Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., (Ret.), former vice chairman, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, who will serve as the committee’s chair; Robert A. Bradway, chairman and CEO of Amgen, Inc.; Lynn J. Good, chairman, president and CEO of the Duke Energy Corporation; and Edward M. Liddy, former chairman and CEO of the Allstate Corporation, all members of the company’s board. These individuals have been selected to serve on this committee because of their collective and extensive experiences that include leadership roles in corporate, regulated industries and government entities where safety and the safety of lives is paramount.

Safety is our responsibility, and we own it. When the MAX returns to the skies, we’ve promised our airline customers and their passengers and crews that it will be as safe as any airplane ever to fly. Our continued disciplined approach is the right decision for our employees, customers, supplier partners and other stakeholders as we work with global regulators and customers to return the 737 MAX fleet to service and deliver on our commitments to all of our stakeholders.

Dubai, UAE | November 11, 2015– Rockwell Collins has been selected by Turkish Airlines to provide its EP-8100 visual system for the airline’s Boeing Next Generation 737, Airbus A320 and Airbus A330 full flight simulators. The agreement includes the option for additional visual system upgrades for legacy platforms.

“This agreement marks a first for Turkish Airlines, as it brings the highly realistic capabilities of our newest EP-8100 visual system and laser illuminated projection system to its training operations,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager, Simulation and Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

“We’re pleased to receive the Rockwell Collins’ EP-8100 visual system for our Boeing Next Generation 737, A320 and Airbus A330 full-flight simulators. We believe that this system will improve the efficiency of our existing flight training capabilities,” said Levent Konukcçu, senior vice president, Investment Management for Turkish Airlines.

The EP-8100’s open, scalable architecture makes it possible to add new features and enhancements throughout the life of the system. By maintaining control over the hardware portion of the image generator, it keeps hardware replacement costs manageable over the life of the system.

The Rockwell Collins visual system raises the bar for realistic and affordable pilot training. The seamlessly integrated combination of the new laser-phosphor projectors with the EP-8100 image generator offers unmatched performance, which meets or exceeds all current worldwide regulatory commercial flight training requirements. I tried this brilliant flight simulator experience for training pilots recently and it was extremely realistic, so have a look into that if you’d like the most realistic flight simulation possible.

LAKE FOREST, California – June 23, 2009 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that its Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System (MPES) was installed on the 6,000th Boeing 737 to enter into service. The aircraft was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp and will be leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Norwegian), the second largest airline in Scandinavia.

Panasonic MPES is a simple-to-operate, high performance overhead audio and video in-flight entertainment system for narrow body aircraft. It features a broad range of exciting entertainment options, including distributed audio and video, broadcast moving maps, and other entertainment content. In addition, the system has an advanced technology for superb sound quality.

“The quality and simplicity of the Panasonic MPES product, in addition to the company’s comprehensive customer support, were key factors in our selection of Panasonic Avionics Corporation,” said Asgeir Nyseth, Chief Operating Officer at Norwegian Air Shuttle. “Panasonic MPES will offer our passengers the latest advances in in-flight entertainment options, which is the perfect complement to Norwegian’s business expansion model and flight schedule. We have strong confidence in the Panasonic brand to deliver the high quality experience our passengers expect.”

“We are pleased to participate in the delivery of the 6,000th Boeing 737 aircraft and continue our strong relationship with Norwegian Air Shuttle,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “As this latest delivery illustrates, we continue to enjoy success and growth in the European air transport market.”

In addition to MPES, Panasonic also supplies DMPES (Digital Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System) IFE system to Norwegian for its forty-five (45) B737-800 aircraft for delivery into service August 2009. DMPES uses the latest technology that incorporates the X Series’ System Controller with Analog Audio Output (SC-A). With a 160-gigabyte media memory, the DMPES reduces space, weight and power when compared to traditional IFE systems, resulting in cost savings for airlines. Furthermore, Panasonic DMPES compact head-end volume saves room and is lighter in weight, improving aircraft fuel-efficiency.

Established in September 2002, Norwegian is one of Europe’s leading low fare airlines with four domestic routes. In December 2003, Norwegian was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company has locations in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Poland with 1,400 employees and offers a route network of 158 routes to 83 destinations.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 2,600 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.

ORLANDO, Fla., and ITASCA, Ill., May 12 – AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), announced today that it will be the first major airline to offer passengers wireless, broadband Internet access on every flight.

AirTran Airways is partnering with Aircell, the leader in airborne communications for business and commercial aviation, to offer passengers full inflight Internet service across its entire fleet of Boeing 737 and 717 aircraft. All 136 AirTran Airways jets will be fully outfitted with Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service by mid-summer.

“Installing Wi-Fi on every one of our aircraft is another great example of what sets AirTran Airways apart from our competitors,” said Bob Fornaro, chairman, president and CEO of AirTran Airways. “Giving business and leisure travelers a consistent, high-quality experience at a low price is a top priority. We feel that Wi-Fi on every flight gives us a distinct competitive advantage over other airlines. Our passengers will know with confidence that no matter which flight they are on, the airplane cabin will be their mobile office, social network, online mall or whatever they want it to be.”

AirTran Airways passengers will have full Internet access including: Web, e-mail, instant messaging and access to corporate e-mail and network systems (virtual private networks) — through their Wi-Fi enabled laptops, smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Gogo Inflight Internet will be available for a small fee based on the length of the flight. “AirTran is known for catering to the needs of its passengers with style. Both its choice and rapid deployment of Gogo Inflight Internet service are testaments to AirTran’s long-standing commitment to offer the best inflight experience possible,” said Jack Blumenstein, president and CEO of Aircell. “Now that Gogo is here and available, passenger demand has taken off, exceeding even our own expectations. We look forward to enabling AirTran to provide the productivity, entertainment, information and social connectivity its passengers want.”

Installing Wi-Fi on every AirTran aircraft is the latest in a series of features the Company makes available to all passengers. Other features on every AirTran fight include: assigned seating, Business Class, XM Satellite Radio and more than 22 varieties of Coca-Cola products on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet.

Over the past month, AirTran Airways teased the possibility of Wi-Fi being added to its list of amenities as part of the Company’s everyflight.com advertising campaign. During the campaign, AirTran received more than 30,000 suggestions from interested consumers.

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past two years. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet with Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com.

Aircell is the world’s leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell(R) Network and its inflight portal, Gogo(R), revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell’s vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight(R). For more information about Aircell, please visit http://www.aircell.com.

Gogo(R), powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit http://www.gogoinflight.com/ or follow Gogo on Twitter: @gogoinflight.

SEATTLE, April 28, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that seven airlines will be the first to incorporate the new, spacious 737 Boeing Sky Interior starting in late 2010. The interior features soft, blue-sky-like lighting overhead.

The airlines are:

• FlyDubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Continental Airlines – Houston
• Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA – Fornebu, Norway
• Malaysia Airlines – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• TUI Travel PLC – London
• GOL Airlines – Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Lion Air – Jakarta, Indonesia

787 Style in the World’s Leading Single-Aisle Airplane
Drawing from years of research used to design the interior for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, 787-style modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers’ eyes to the airplane’s windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. On a more practical note, the sidewall design integrates the air vent so that before-flight security checks go more quickly for maintenance staff.

The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.

Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.

Speakers are integrated into each row’s passenger-service unit to improve sound and clarity of public address operations, while the new integrated air vent and improved noise-dampening materials reduce overall cabin noise.

More efficient, more clean
Changes to the Next-Generation 737 are more than cosmetic: Boeing is targeting a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. Airplane structural improvements will reduce drag on the airplane, reducing fuel use by about 1 percent. Boeing’s engine partner, CFM, is contributing the other 1 percent fuel savings through hardware changes to its engine.

Continental Airlines will make a Next-Generation 737-800 available to Boeing to flight test the performance improvements.

SEATTLE, April 16, 2009 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today celebrated a special program milestone with the delivery of the 6,000th 737. It was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) which will lease the 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. The airplane’s tail features a special decal denoting this milestone.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about being part of this important milestone for the 737. With its continuous innovations, the Next-Generation 737 brings the right combination of operational and environmental performance to address the requirements of our markets,” said Bjorn Kjos, chief executive officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.

Norwegian Air Shuttle is the largest low-fare airline company in Scandinavia and has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East. Norwegian has 39 737s in its fleet and an additional 42 on firm order with Boeing. “ILFC’s very first Boeing delivery was a 737 and since then we’ve taken delivery of more than 400 of this outstanding model, re-ordering incremental airplanes dozens of times,” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, ILFC chairman and chief executive officer. “The Next-Generation 737 is a major cornerstone to ILFC’s modern, fuel-efficient and economical portfolio of more than 1,000 commercial jets.”

Boeing remains focused on continuous enhancement of the Next-Generation 737 family to ensure the airplane provides market-leading operational, economic and environmental performance to airlines and lessors around the world.

“It is exciting to deliver our 6,000th 737 to ILFC and Norwegian Air Shuttle, and we thank them for being among the hundreds of airlines, operators and leasing companies who have made the 737 the world’s most popular jet airliner,” said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager, 737 Airplane Programs. “Thousands of employees have supported the many 737 variations Boeing has introduced, including today’s all-new Next-Generation 737 family which is used in private, government and commercial service.”

To date, unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2200 airplanes valued at approximately $163 billion at list prices.

Hamburg/Buxtehude, 31 March 2009 – KID-Systeme, the leader in aircraft cabin electronics, today announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo that its GSM on Board inflight passenger communications system, used by OnAir, has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) supplement type certification for Boeing 737 aircraft. The Boeing 737, is operated by more than 500 airlines including Ryanair, the first airline to commit to a full fleet deployment of Mobile OnAir. EASA supplement type certification for the B737, in service for Ryanair, follows certification for the OnAir mobile telephony system on the whole Airbus A320 family of single-aisle aircraft.

Ryanair currently has over twenty aircraft flying with the KID-Systeme’s GSM on Board equipment and OnAir’s inflight passenger GSM voice and data services. Ryanair is in the process of retrofitting the equipment to the rest of its B737 fleet.

The Boeing retrofit installation design and Supplemental Type Certification (STC) process was managed by KID-Systeme with its partner ECS. A key feature of the STC retrofit design is the use of
an innovative distributed Line Replacement Unit installation concept, allowing the GSM on Board equipment to be installed during an aircraft’s regular maintenance check. The design of this system
enables activation during an over-night stop, meaning the aircraft does not have to be taken out of passenger service.

The GSM on Board equipment has been designed to minimise weight and space usage, particularly in areas designated for passenger use. The GSM server is located in the electronics bay under the cockpit; the leaky-line cable runs along the inside ceiling of the cabin; and the satellite communications equipment, picocell and onboard control equipment are located above the ceiling panels in the aft fuselage.

Patrick Schrot, Managing Director of KID-Systeme, said, “This EASA certification demonstrates the excellence of the programme run by KID-Systeme and ECS. It has also paved the way for Ryanair’s inflight passenger connectivity services and we have no doubt it will prove to be the tipping-point for the technology’s wide-spread adoption.”

KID Systeme’s GSM on Board airborne equipment has already been in commercial use on Air France, bmi, Royal Jordanian, TAP Portugal and Wataniya Airways, with further airlines signed up to start the
service in 2009 and 2010. It is unique in that it uses Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband technology, providing passengers with the widest range of inflight communications services currently available.

About KID-Systeme
KID-Systeme is the world leader in providing in-seat power solutions and is at the forefront of providing passenger connectivity solutions.

SKYpower was the world’s first 110V AC In-Seat Power Supply System. It has now been installed in over 200,000 seats by over 80 airlines, making SKYpower the single biggest In-Seat Power Supply System in the world.

GSM on Board is the technology behind the first inflight GSM/GPRS passenger mobile service on international flights. GSM on Board started flying in 2007 and will soon be available on a range of airlines across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

As well as being headquartered in Buxtehude near Hamburg in Germany, where all design and manufacturing takes place, KID-Systeme also has Service Centres in Beijing, Buxtehude, Dallas, Dubai, Sao Paulo and Seattle. These Service Centres provide full servicing, combined with a 24/7 Aircraft on Ground support and spares service.

KID-Systeme supplies the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus but operates as an independent company.

For further information: www.kid-systeme.de

About ECS
ECS is a manufacturer and global supplier of proven electrical and structural products for the installation of avionics systems on-board aircraft. ECS offers advanced engineering services and certification support with in-house FAA designated personnel to provide approved design data packages, STCs with PMA approvals, and product conformity inspections.

Acknowledged as an industry leader for providing efficient and economical solutions for both retrofit and forward fit programs, ECS has worked closely with KID-Systeme to develop the critical components and certification engineering that makes the installation of GSM technology on-board Ryanair’s fleet possible. In addition, ECS has been selected by Airbus to provide certification engineering and installation provisions for incorporating their GSM technology on-board Boeing aircraft; as well as to develop integrated racks to install GSM systems on the A318, A319, A320, and A321.

ECS is also well known in the aviation industry for their leadership in developing the necessary provisions for the installation of GPS, EGPWS, TCAS, MODE S, Iridium, SATCOM, IFE, Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), and many other avionics systems for air transport, general aviation, and military programs.

Headquartered in Franklin Wisconsin-USA, ECS has satellite offices in Minnesota, Washington State, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, London-UK, and Toulouse-France to help better serve aircraft operators and manufacturers worldwide.

For further information: www.ecsdirect.com

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 18, 2009) – Oman Air has selected Rockwell Collins to provide avionics for its fleet of 12 next-generation Boeing 737 aircrafts (6 leased, 6 direct purchase). Oman Air will also retrofit its current fleet of 9 next-generation Boeing 737 aircraft with the Rockwell Collins Data Link products.

“This is an important win as we look to further expand our presence in the Middle East,” said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager for Air Transport Systems at Rockwell Collins. “We are extremely honored to provide next generation avionics and information management capabilities which will provide Oman Air with a solution that will increase efficiency of their aircraft operations, enhance situational awareness for their pilot, and ultimately provide added comfort and safety for their passengers.”

Rockwell Collins MultiScanTM Hazard Detection System is among the avionics selected by Oman Air. The MultiScanTM system is the first and only radar that analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content. The MultiScanTM system is derived from extensive operational experience to create a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.

Rockwell Collins Data Link system supports current Mode 2 31.5 Kbits/sec VHF data radios and is the future platform for air traffic control Data Link mandates such as Link 2000+. It allows flight crews to request and receive messages such as clearances, flight plan updates, weather data, diversion and emergency reports and passenger lists. The system can be tailored with application-specific menus and messages to further enhance efficiency and optimize operations. The system also supports the automatic downlink of engine and fuel performance data, which can be used to reduce maintenance and operating costs.

Oman Air also has selected Rockwell Collins sensors. Products selected include: ADF-900 Automatic Direction Finder, DFA-901 Direction Finding Antenna, DME-900 Distance Measuring Equipment, HFS-900D High Frequency Data Radio,CPL-920D Coupling Unit, GLU925 Multi-Mode Receiver,PAU-700 Passenger Address Unit, LRA-900 Low-range Radio Altimeter, TPR-901 Mode S Transponder,VHF-2100 High Speed Multi-Mode Data Radio, VOR-900 VHF Omnidirectional Range Receiver, and TTR-921 Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II Receiver/Transmitter.

In September 2008, Oman Air selected Rockwell Collins to provide its Airshow 4200D Moving Map and Flight Information System and Rockwell Collins’ Tailwind 560 in-flight TV system for seven of the airline’s Airbus 330 fleet.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

25th February 2009 – Air Italy, the dynamic charter airline, has chosen AD Aerospace, an AD Group company, to supply CabinVu-123 to improve safety and security on board its B737 aircraft. CabinVu-123 increases cockpit security by giving the pilots’ a clear view of any activity outside the cockpit door and in the adjacent galleys and therefore greatly improving their situational awareness.

“At Air Italy the safety and security of our customers is our first priority, which is why we chose CabinVu-123 from AD Aerospace” said Mr. Antenor Silva Neto, Assistant to C.E.O. & Accountable Manager of Air Italy. “We see this as the best choice as it provides high quality and reliability at a good price, just as we do.”

CabinVu-123, the popular choice for cockpit door surveillance, provides pilots with a forward looking, clear and unobstructed view of the area outside the cockpit door and in the adjacent galleys from their usual seated positions. A series of cameras are linked to either one or two monitors and associated controllers within easy reach of the pilots for ease and comfort of use.

With the view provided by the system the pilots can visually identify anyone requesting entry and take appropriate action, should an incident arise. This is in line with recommendations from ICAO Annex 6, EUROCAE ED-123 and provides compliance with EU-OPS 1.1255 Sub Part S, FAA 14 CFR 121.313(k) and 14 CFR 121.584 (a). CabinVu-123 is also good for operators due to its low weight and simple installation.

“Air Italy is a very welcome addition to the family of airlines across Europe and the World fitting AD Aerospace safety and security systems,” said Mike Horne, Managing Director, AD Aerospace Ltd. “As an exciting and growing force in Italian and European aviation we are extremely pleased to have won Air Italy’s business.”

FlightVu equipment has been or is being installed on aircraft for Europe Airpost, Boeing, airBaltic, Austrian Airlines, GECAS, ILFC, , Neos, Privilege, Orient Thai, Comair, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airways, bmi, British Airways, JetBlue, Thomsonfly, Air Asia, Corsair, easyJet, Hainan, Germania, TUIfly, Sama and MyTravel amongst others.

Without much fanfare last month, Row44 and Alaska Airlines repeated connectivity history with hopes of changing your flight experience. They installed an external antenna, a satcom receiver/transmitter, and a couple of Wireless Access points (see image) and started flying their airborne Internet in an operational trial in a B737. Of course, the event we are talking about is the first US commercial airline install of some five years of work for the small California company know as Row44. Alaska Airlines saw the potential of airborne connectivity so we sought out Chase Craig who manages program development and market research for Alaska and he told IFExpress about the two week old project. The system is functioning in a low visibility mode trial prior to any go-ahead and formal project kickoff. For you bloggers and IFE junkies the operational B737 is t/n 644 and the plane is flying as-needed route applications within the Alaska system, rather than on dedicated route legs. We understand that the system is operating properly and that crews announce that fact to passengers. Alaska in accumulating operational and usage data in the process and will do so for some time.

We asked Mr. Craig about eventual pricing and he told IFExpress, “We think the existing airborne Internet pricing model is a too high and we are presently looking at a pricing model that is lower”. IFExpress thinks that the price will be in the region of $9.99 per day based on factors like the economy, not to mention that they are flying in competition with another product with a$13 price point. What would you charge?  We asked about system use: “Log on is easy”, said Chase, “We went to lengths to make our Terms of Use easy and straightforward. We don’t want to act as traffic cop to travelers who are Internet savvy but we wanted to clearly set out that Alaska desires to avoid public display of inappropriate content. “In that case, we will deny service”, he noted.

The system is capable of up to 30 Mbps but is presently throttled as a result of 802.11 B/G speeds. This should present no issues to multiple users, besides; we note that the system is scalable. Chase told us that he has used the system and is very pleased with its ease of use… not to mention the ease on fuel burn based on a system weight of less than 200 pounds. Operating at Ku Band stationary satellites, the Row44 hardware does not require a network of ground-based antennas. Not only is this a promising solution for undeveloped areas, but the obvious thought is an eventual over water solution. When the trial is complete and if Alaska chooses to equip their fleet, expect some 100 to 110 airplanes to be equipped with the Row44 hardware. We suppose that this is a good point to mention that other, bigger companies have tried and failed to deliver a satisfactory satcom-based, Ku band, airborne Internet solution. We acknowledge the Row44 accomplishment! Jolly good show!

Needless to say, the latest Wi-Fi lawsuit targeting Delta and AirCell was not lost on Alaska, “We are watching it with interest”, said Craig. We are too – Stay Tuned!

Here is a YouTube link for a short preview of the Row44/Alaska Airline Wi-Fi system in operation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Rvl5YJG-I