• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, July 28, 2005

Passengers who connect to the Internet while on Boeing airplanes will be served with a co-branded Yahoo!-Boeing home page that includes a Yahoo! search query box, under a new multi-year distribution deal entered into between the companies.

Users who type searches into the home page will be served results--both organic and paid--on another co-branded Yahoo!-Boeing page; Boeing will get a share of any pay-per-click fees generated.

The deal will take effect later this year. Internet service will be provided on Boeing via Connexion, launched in May 2004. Connexion allows air travelers to get online while in flight, either wirelessly or through a standard Ethernet connection. Airlines currently using the service include Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and China Airlines.

Other airlines reportedly planning to include Connexion in the near future include Austrian Airlines, Korean Air, El Al Israeli Airlines, Asiana and Etihad. The infrastructure uses a phased array antenna on the plane, leased satellite transponders, and ground stations.