Parata Air said on the 21st that it signed an agreement with Panasonic Avionics, a corporations specializing in in-flight entertainment and communications, to introduce ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi.
With this agreement, Parata Air will sequentially equip three A330-200s with Wi-Fi systems, enabling it to provide seamless wireless internet service consolidation.
Parata Air said the adoption of the Wi-Fi system was made to provide a more enhanced in-flight experience for customers ahead of the launch of long-haul international routes scheduled for next year.
The company said it aims not only to offer ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi but also to deliver internet connectivity comparable to on-the-ground levels even on long-haul flights to boost customer satisfaction.
Panasonic provides ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi based on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Because communications occur much closer to Earth than with geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, latency is significantly reduced and a stable internet consolidation is provided.
Parata Air expects this will allow customers to comfortably use data-heavy content such as video streaming, as well as web surfing and messaging.
Parata Air plans to offer the ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi service free of charge to Business Smart Class customers. It is reviewing various operating options for service on Comfort (economy) seats.
Chief Executive Officer Chulmin Yoon of Parata Air said, "The time spent in the cabin on long-haul routes is part of the journey and a key element of the customer experience," adding, "this introduction of ultra-high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi is an investment to ensure customers can experience connectivity in the sky that is no different from on the ground."