Boeing To Install Web Access On Jets

Boeing Co. is planning to install systems in airplanes to allow passengers to surf the Internet and check their e-mail from laptops during flights.

The company hopes to begin installing the equipment on airplanes at the end of next year, but it is still negotiating with airlines that it hopes will buy the service. Boeing said Thursday it expects to announce several airline partners this summer.

The service, called Connexion, would initially be available only on flights over North America, but the company plans to make the service available on overseas flights.

The service would cost about the same as cellular phone service.

Connection devices would be installed in the arm rests of passenger seats.