I didn’t see this one coming. Boeing is considering shutting down or selling its Connexion division, which offers inflight wireless internet service on many international carriers’ longhaul flights. If it happens, it’s a major loss to business travelers and the internet-addicted.

The weak link in the inflight wi-fi chain has always been in-seat power, and I’m wondering if this is what has slowed adoption, both by the airlines, and by consumers on the flights that actually DO feature the service. To make Connexion really attractive, airlines would have to wire the cabin with power sockets, so you don’t drag multiple batteries with you just to work on the plane. And even then: If you’re on a long flight, you’d better pray that your seat has a working socket, and that you have the necessary adapter to get your juice.

As an aside: When you select seats, be sure to check SeatGuru for both the location of power outlets and the type of cord you need. Even a carrier like American Airlines, which has had in-seat power for some time, doesn’t have power at every row. (The black dot on the seatmap means a socket.)

As reported earlier this month, AirCell and LiveTV are planning to roll out inflight internet within North America soon. But this won’t cover trans-oceanic flights. Hopefully someone else will take over the network and maintain the service.

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