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CONNEXION BY BOEING SELECTS MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AS STRATEGIC
SUPPLIER FOR NEXT-GENERATION ANTENNA
TOKYO, June 21, 2002 -- Connexion by
Boeing today announced the selection of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
to design and produce the next-generation antenna for the Boeing
business unit's high-speed data and Internet service. Once completed,
the antenna will be optimized to provide commercial airlines and
business jet operators with high-speed access to data, the Internet
and streaming entertainment content during flight.
Under the terms of the agreement, Connexion by Boeing and Mitsubishi
Electric will work together to design the antenna and supporting
subsystem, and to ensure its suitability for retrofit and in-line
installation on Boeing aircraft, as well as other industry models.
Mitsubishi Electric also will assist Connexion by Boeing to ensure
the first antenna production unit is installation-ready when it
rolls off the assembly line in late 2003.
"Our team conducted a rigorous review of key industry suppliers'
antenna capabilities and Mitsubishi Electric clearly met the airline
industry requirements, as well as our criteria for next-generation
performance and cost," said Connexion by Boeing President Scott
Carson. "Having the right antenna solution supports our objective
of delivering to the airlines a connectivity service that adds value,
but not complexity, and one that will be service ready from Day
One."
Mitsubishi Electric representatives actively participated in the
Connexion Working Together meetings with representatives from 15
leading global airlines. At those sessions, designed to ensure the
Connexion by Boeing service meets the requirements from those who
know air travel best, Mitsubishi Electric received direct industry
inputs on performance, weight and power requirements necessary for
the next-generation antenna to meet both passenger and airline operational
connectivity objectives. The decision to move forward with the next-generation
antenna design was mutually agreed upon between Connexion by Boeing
and the airlines after conducting an extensive trade study of the
necessary performance and communication requirements.
"We are honored to be a key part of Connexion by Boeing by
providing an enhanced solution for the next-generation antenna.
Connexion by Boeing's decision also ensures our leading position
in the mobile satellite communications market," said Tamotsu
Nomakuchi, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric. "We
appreciate Connexion by Boeing's spirit of 'working together' that
has led us to this historic point since the early days we became
involved in the project. With a spirit of partnership, Mitsubishi
Electric will continue to provide the best technical solutions for
Connexion by Boeing and its worldwide customers."
Connexion by Boeing will use the Boeing phased array antenna for
the commencement of commercial airline service demonstrations with
launch customer Lufthansa and migrate to the enhanced next-generation
antenna once production, testing and certification are complete.
The next-generation antenna will incorporate a single aperture design
that will provide enhanced satellite-to-aircraft scan angles and
also use leading-edge beam pointing technology with enhanced electronics
capabilities to precisely detect and track satellites from the aircraft
during flight.
"We are very pleased that Mitsubishi Electric continues to
be an integral, strategic member of the Connexion by Boeing team,"
Carson added, "and their capabilities in the area of antenna
technology will further strengthen a relationship between Boeing
and Japan-based companies that spans 50 years."
About Connexion by Boeing
The Connexion by Boeing service is currently available to the executive
services market in the U.S., which includes operators of both private
and government aircraft. The Federal Communications Commission authorized
services over U.S. territory on December 21, 2001. Connexion by
Boeing also remains on track with leading European carrier Lufthansa
to begin service trial in late 2002/early2003. For additional information,
visit the Connexion by Boeing web site at www.connexionbyboeing.com.
About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality
products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over
the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (FTSE: 6503q.l) is a
recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales
of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing
and communications, space development and satellite communications,
consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation
and building equipment. With operations in 35 countries, Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation recorded consolidated group sales of 3,649
billion yen (US$27 billion) in the year ended March 31, 2002. Additional
information on Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is available at Global.MitsubishiElectric.com.
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