Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented. The method computer program products, and systems can include, for instance: examining one or more parameter characterizing a prospective connection of the mobile airborne article to first through Nth base stations, the one or more parameter including a Doppler shift; determining based on the examining that a criterion is satisfied, the criterion having one or more factor; and initiating handoff of the mobile airborne article to one of the first through Nth base stations based on the determining.