TOKYO November 12: Today the Japan Airlines Group signed a contract with Connexion by Boeing (CBB) - a business unit of The Boeing Company - to be the first Asian airline to provide in-flight high-speed broadband communication service. JAL plans to introduce e-mail and Internet access via the CBB system for passengers on selected international routes in the company's network during 2004.

The formal contract signing follows letters of intent exchanged between JAL and CBB on July 22, 2002, in which the airline and CBB agreed to work closely together to realize and define the level of services to be offered to passengers. CBB uses satellite connection to provide broadband communication service from an earth station. Passengers will be able to use their own equipment - such as personal computers - to access the service that operates in real time.

　　１．Real time e-mail and Internet access via broadband (charged but tariff not set).

　　２．Free of charge, the in-flight server will provide a selection of content such as news,

　　　　weather information and company product and service information.

Initially JAL plans to introduce the CBB system in first, business (JAL Executive Class - Seasons) and economy classes on flights between Japan and London from December 2004. The airline plans to extend the coverage to other long-haul flights on routes between Japan and Europe and between Japan and the Americas, equipping Boeing 747-400 and 777 aircraft.

The JAL/CBB agreement signed today covers the installation of the CBB system on JAL's long-haul fleet of 68 aircraft, including firm and optional.

Installation of the CBB system is line with the JAL Group's policy of boosting value-added services for the business traveler, recognized recently with Japan's top design accolade - the Good Design award for 2003 - for JAL's ‘Shell Flat Seat’ in JAL Executive Class - Season’s, the airline's own branded business class. Last year JAL's ‘New Sky Sleeper Solo’ First Class seat received the Japanese Good Design Award for 2002.

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