Air New Zealand is revolutionizing free internet on domestic flights with Starlink

Air New Zealand will become one of the first airlines in the world to offer free internet access on its domestic routes. The company has announced plans to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network and will offer the service starting in 2025. An initial test is scheduled to begin in late 2024 on selected aircraft to assess the feasibility of its full implementation.

The move follows the success of Air New Zealand’s free Wi-Fi service on international flights, a feature that has received significant customer acclaim. Achieving this milestone in short-haul domestic flights is a significant step forward, especially as Starling’s technology improves connectivity in small aircraft models such as the ATR 72 with turboprops, which has traditionally been a challenge.

Starling’s low Earth orbit satellites aim to deliver speeds of up to 350 Mbps and latency of up to 20 milliseconds, rivaling terrestrial fiber optic links. This high-speed, low-latency Internet service will allow travelers to participate in a variety of online activities, from watching streaming video content to browsing social media, without the frustrating lag often experienced on Internet-based Internet.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishanga emphasizes the airline’s commitment to using innovative technology to enhance the travel experience. Starlink’s service avoids the slow performance and delays associated with older satellite technology.

Air New Zealand joins a select group of international airlines partnering with Starlink. With access to an expanding satellite fleet, passengers will experience a significant improvement during domestic flights with Air New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What has Air New Zealand announced about internet access?
Air New Zealand has announced plans to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to offer free internet access on its domestic routes from 2025, with trials starting in late 2024.

How important is it to Air New Zealand to offer free internet on domestic routes?
Offering free internet on domestic routes is a significant step for the airline, especially as the use of Starlink technology is expected to improve connectivity on smaller aircraft models that previously faced connectivity challenges.

What technology does Air New Zealand use to provide this service?
The airline plans to use technology from Starling’s satellite network, which includes low-Earth orbit satellites that provide high-speed internet with low latency.

What is the expected internet speed and latency on Starlink?
Starlink aims to deliver speeds of up to 350 Mbps with latency as low as 20 milliseconds, comparable to terrestrial fiber optic links.

What benefits will passengers enjoy with this service?
Passengers can enjoy high-speed Internet access for various online activities, such as streaming videos and browsing social media, without the delays typically associated with satellite-based Internet.

What does Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer have to say about the initiative?
Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishanga highlighted the airline’s commitment to improve the travel experience by leveraging innovative technology to deliver reliable and fast in-flight connectivity.

Are there other airlines that work with Starlink?
Yes, Air New Zealand joins a select group of international airlines working with Starlink to improve in-flight connectivity for their passengers.

Definitions:

Star link: A collection of Internet satellites developed by SpaceX that provide Internet access via satellite.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO): An orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 160 to 2,000 kilometers.

Delay: The time it takes for data to travel from the user to the server and back is usually measured in milliseconds.

Turboprop: An airplane powered by a turbine engine drives a propeller.

ATR 72: A short-haul regional airliner manufactured by French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR.

Fiber Optic Connections: A technology that uses glass or plastic threads (fibers) to transmit data.

Related Recommended Links:
SpaceX: https://www.spacex.com
Air New Zealand: https://www.airnewzealand.com

Marcin Frąckiewicz is a renowned author and blogger specializing in satellite communications and artificial intelligence. His insightful articles explore the complexities of these fields and provide readers with a deeper understanding of complex technical concepts. His work is characterized by its clarity and thoroughness.