There are only about 150 Connexion-powered planes flying. We understand that Singapore Airlines is removing all the Connexion equipment from their aircraft. So the 150 planes mentioned are going to be interesting to identify. The biggest Connexion player is Lufthansa with 67 planes.
Airlines have failed to make Connexion a success for a number of reasons. Panasonic says airlines did not see it as a revenue generator. Well, yeah. Airlines have never understood marginal revenue generation that is not associated with a ticket. The airline showing the way in creating new marginal revenue streams is Ryanair. Airlines have operated the same way for decades, and no new smart technology will change their thinking quickly.
Panasonic wants the airlines that use Connexion to only change the on board modem. That is a cute idea. Except, one of the reasons Singapore is removing the Connexion equipment from its planes is because the equipment belongs to Boeing. It should be pointed out that not every Connexion-airline feels this way. Therefore, the switch to Panasonic's solution is not quite as easy as it sounds.
Post the WAEA show, current Connexion users are banding together to go after Boeing. You can guess who the ringleader is. The next stop will be a discussion among the Star Alliance members. Legal steps, we understand, are being considered by some airlines. While less than 10% of passengers are using the Connexion system numbers are rising each month. The cancellation of this solution remains a big disappointment. Even though the system only had speeds of 5 megabits down and 1 megabit up, the ability to do something constructive in-flight is highly compelling.
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2 comments:
I have been a moderately frequent user of the Connexion service on many routes around the world. I am extremely annoyed that Boeing is so short-sighted to abandon all this work, especially to Panasonic.
I have in fact changed routings and flown carriers I would never have flown before JUST TO USE THE SERVICE at times. . . .this would seem to be a benefit that was unexploited by the airlines.
I have written complaint letters to several executives at Boeing with no answer. Pretty stupid, all things considered.
Why would you worry about losing it to Panasonic? At least they are prepared to step in and help people like you who use the service stay connected!
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