We mentioned in an article last June Boeing's plans for Connexion. Sadly though, there'll be no blowing of birthday candles for Boeing as their in-flight wireless internet Connexion meets its demise barely a year after its conception.

Boeing formally announced on August 17 that they will be discontinuing its Connexion service, stating that "the market for this service has not materialized as had been expected." Airlines which launched Boeing's Connexion service include China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana Airlines, to name a few.

Connexion, which used to offer satellite-based wireless Internet access to airline passengers in flight, well, simply did not take off.  The International Herald-Tribune reports that on the average flight, no more than 40 passengers are willing to pay the $9.95 an hour (or $26.95 per flight) to avail of the wireless service and whatever ample money made by Boeing from Connexion simply wasn't sufficient to sustain the service provision.

This only goes to show that companies should not underestimate the consumers in their ability to find ways to avail of wireless services, even in mid-air, at a cheaper cost (or maybe even for free!). Too bad this plane won't be swimming in a blanket of clouds. Unless...

I have always wanted to play a brand New DS Lite on an airplane, a mile high in the air.  I have just found out I will have my chance to fulfill my life long dream.  Japan Airlines (JAL) will now be supplying custom made DS Lites for their Executive or First Class passengers.  These bad boys have had their WiFi capabilities removed, so they would not interfere with the airplanes navigation systems and other fancy expensive things.  Two of the four playable games on your travels will be Mario Kart DS and DS Golf. The  flights from Tokyo to LA, NY, Chicago, San Francisco, London, Beijing and Guanghzou, will be the ones you will be able to enjoy your Dual Screened pleasures. This unfortunately is not a permanent arrangement, the extra entertainment will only last until August 31st.

Thanks for the tip Steve.