Korean Air to Offer Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Based on Starlink Starting on the 15th

[Financial News] Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, which are set to merge in December, will offer free in-flight Wi-Fi based on Starlink starting on the 15th. The service uses Starlink, SpaceX’s low-Earth-orbit satellite communications service.
The two airlines announced on the 11th that they would provide free Starlink-based Wi-Fi on all seats of the aircraft covered by the service. The initial rollout will target medium- and large-sized aircraft. Korean Air will equip four aircraft in total: three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER. Asiana Airlines will equip 10 aircraft: nine Airbus A350-900s and one Airbus A330-300.
Starting with medium- and large-sized aircraft operating on medium- and long-haul routes to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, the airlines plan to extend the free Wi-Fi service to most aircraft in operation by 2027. They will accelerate preparations, including the installation of Starlink communications equipment.
Because the free in-flight Wi-Fi is based on Starlink, passengers will be able to stream videos and listen to music, play games, and use messaging services at speeds comparable to those on the ground, even while the aircraft is in flight. Large-file transfers and cloud-based tools will also be available. However, voice and video calls, live broadcasts on social networking services, and access to illegal websites will be restricted for security reasons.
The two airlines are working together to improve their services ahead of the launch of the integrated Korean Air in December. An Asiana Airlines official said, "With the introduction of Starlink service, we plan to provide differentiated services in line with the launch of the integrated airline."
[email protected] Kim Yoon-ho Reporter