Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will offer complimentary high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi services through the US firm SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite communication system ‘Starlink.’
The two firms are the first full-service carriers (FSCs) in East Asia to launch Starlink. It is now feasible to watch sports events live and manage email tasks while flying.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines declared that they will launch the free in-flight Wi-Fi service powered by Starlink, beginning on September 15 with specific flights.
This Wi-Fi service during flights will be implemented gradually, starting with wide-body planes that have finished installing Starlink communication technology. The service will be delivered on a total of 4 planes for Korean Air, comprising 3 Airbus A350-900s and 1 Boeing B777-300ER, along with 10 aircraft for Asiana Airlines, which includes 9 A350-900s and 1 A330-300.
These planes will mainly operate on medium to long-distance routes like the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and will additionally be utilized for certain short-distance routes. The two firms intend to broaden and implement the service to the majority of their flying aircraft by the conclusion of 2027, after their merger into a unified Korean Air in December.
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The in-flight Wi-Fi service powered by Starlink launched by the two companies this time is available for free in all seat classes. Travelers can access the internet by placing their devices, like smartphones or tablets, on airplane mode, connecting to the specific airline's Wi-Fi portal, inputting their name and seat number found on their boarding pass, and viewing an advertisement.
Starlink's satellite network in low-earth orbit offers a rapid and reliable internet connection that facilitates smooth OTT video streaming, music playback, web browsing, messaging, and online gaming, along with large file transfers and the use of cloud-based collaboration tools while in-flight.
Nonetheless, the implementation of internet-based voice and video calls, as well as social network service (SNS) live streams, will be limited based on airline regulations. While it is technically feasible, this aims to foster a comfortable atmosphere during flights and ensure aviation safety. Access to websites that are security-vulnerable or illegal might also be limited.
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Nonetheless, the utilization of online voice and video calls, along with social media service (SNS) live streams, will be limited based on airline regulations. While it is technically feasible, the aim is to establish a comfortable in-flight atmosphere and ensure aviation security. Access to websites that are illegal or have security vulnerabilities might also be limited.
This is the inaugural instance of an East Asian FSC launching the Starlink system, anticipated to provide travelers a uniquely enhanced in-flight experience relative to prior offerings.
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In contrast to the current in-flight atmosphere, which lacks connection to the outside world, travelers will experience a digital environment comparable to terrestrial standards, expected to revolutionize the entire flying experience.
The two firms aim to move forward as swiftly as feasible with all essential actions needed to deliver the associated services, including setting up Starlink communication devices. For aircraft before modification, the current paid in-flight Wi-Fi policy will remain in effect.