Abstract:
Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, announced on Friday that it will launch free in-flight wireless Internet service powered by Starlink on some flights starting next week. This free service will be launched on four modified wide-body aircraft next Tuesday, including three Airbus A350-900 aircraft and one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
These passenger planes will fly medium and long-distance routes to the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia, as well as some key short-haul routes.
Korean Air stated that it plans to gradually popularize Starlink network across its entire operating fleet by the end of 2027.
Starlink is operated by the American space company SpaceX and relies on low-Earth orbit satellite networks to provide high-speed Internet access services.
This online service will make Korean Air the first full-service airline in East Asia to access the Starlink network. This is also the first step in the airline's extensive fleet modernization before merging with Asiana Airlines.
Asiana Airlines, which is about to be merged into Korean Air, will also activate free wireless networks supported by Starlink on some flights.
Aircrafts awaiting installation of Starlink equipment will continue to be provided with Korean Air’s existing paid in-flight Wi-Fi service during the transition period.
The service will initially be launched on nine Airbus A350-900 and one A330-300 aircraft, with installation of related communications equipment scheduled to be completed this month.
Asiana plans to gradually roll out the service across its fleet, starting with its remaining A350‑900 and A330‑300 aircraft.
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