Boeing trials in-flight Internet in Vietnam

Vietnam has permitted Boeing to provide in-flight Internet access services in foreign flights flying past the country, local media reported, according to a Xinhua News report.

The report said the Vietnamese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications had allowed Boeing, a unit of The Boeing Company, to trial the services in flights of seven foreign firms, China Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Lufthansa, German Airlines, Singapore Airlines Limited, Etihad Airway and Korean Air, for one month ending late May 2007.

The ministry had asked Boeing to ensure that its services would not interfere with Vietnam 's communications systems, the report also said.

In-flight Internet access services provided by Boeing's Connexion by Boeing are now available in all major routes in the northern hemisphere, including the North Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The flat-rate access for the entire flight costs a passenger $26.95.