Korean Air Uses Starlink to Improve Connectivity Across Its Fleet
Korean Air said it would offer Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi on all of its planes. As a result, it is the first South Korean airline to use this satellite connection system.
Sister carriers in the Hanjin Group are also part of the rollout. As a result, all airline brands will have the same standards for connectivity.
Hanjin Group Airlines Join the Strategy for Unified Connectivity
Starlink will also be used by Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, and Korean Air. So, passengers on all of these airlines will be able to use high-speed internet services that are always available.
This coordinated action is part of a digital transformation plan for the whole group. This makes the alignment of investment efficiency and passenger experience even stronger.
Starlink Technology Provides High-Speed Internet Around the World
Starlink runs a network of satellites in low Earth orbit that can send data at speeds of up to 500 megabits per second. Because of this, passengers can stream, work, and browse the web without any problems.
The service works thanks to satellites that are about 550 kilometers above the ground. This means that latency is much lower than in traditional systems.
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The Installation Timeline Starts Before the Launch in 2026
All of the airlines that are taking part will start getting ready for installation and testing later this year. Because of this, rollout schedules will be different depending on the makeup of the fleet and the most important tasks that need to be done.
The first passenger service is expected to start in the third quarter of 2026. So, full fleet availability will come in phases.
Long-Haul Aircraft Receive Priority Installation
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will put Starlink installation first on long-haul planes. So, the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 jets are the first to be deployed.
By the end of 2027, the goal is to have the installation done on all of the fleets. Because of this, long-distance travelers are the first to benefit from better connectivity.
Low-Cost Carriers Plan Phased Equipment Strategy
At first, Jin Air will put Starlink systems on its Boeing 737-8 planes. As a result, narrow-body fleets can also connect to the internet at high speeds.
Before scheduling installations, Air Busan and Air Seoul will look at their fleet needs. So, decisions about rollout will be in line with goals for operational efficiency.
Airline and SpaceX Leaders Highlight Passenger Benefits
A representative from Korean Air said that being able to connect is very important for modern travel. Because of this, Starlink backs the airline’s goal of raising the level of service.
Chad Gibbs, an executive at SpaceX, talked about how the service would help passengers be more productive and have more fun. In the end, the integration of Starlink puts Korean airlines at the forefront of new ways to connect while flying.
