Five airlines under Hanjin Group will adopt the U.S. SpaceX satellite internet service "Starlink" for in-flight Wi-Fi.
According to Korean Air on the 5th, starting in the third quarter next year, the Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi system will be applied sequentially to all aircraft within Hanjin Group, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, JIN AIR, AIR BUSAN, and AIR SEOUL.
This is the first time a domestic airline has adopted Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi. As a result, in-flight internet convenience at Hanjin Group airlines is expected to improve significantly. When the Starlink system is installed, it can send and receive data at up to 500 Mbps (bits per second, meaning internet speed) using a large number of low Earth orbit satellites (altitude about 550 km) numbering over 8,000.
Passengers will receive ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi service in all seat classes on the aircraft they board. They will be able to use online video service (OTT) streaming services, online games and shopping, watch news, and use messengers without interruption. Large file transfers and cloud-based collaboration tools will also enable continuous work similar to on the ground.
Airlines belonging to Hanjin Group will undergo preparation, including various tasks and tests to introduce Starlink, starting at the end of this year. The service launch timing varies by airline and is expected as early as the third quarter next year.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines plan to first apply the system to long-haul aircraft types Boeing B777-300ER and Airbus A350-900. After integration, they plan to complete sequential adoption across all aircraft by the end of 2027.
JIN AIR will introduce the Starlink system beginning with the Boeing B737-8 type, which previously provided in-flight Wi-Fi service. AIR BUSAN and AIR SEOUL are reviewing which aircraft types to adopt first.