In a major move for in-flight connectivity in South Korea, Hanjin Group has announced that its five airlines — Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul — will adopt Starlink across their fleets.
According to the announcement, the integration of Starlink will begin after testing and preparatory work this year, with full rollout starting from the third quarter of 2026. Long-haul aircraft such as Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350-900s will be among the first to receive the upgrade; subsequently all aircraft across the five carriers will be equipped.
What Passengers Can Expect
Once installed, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network can deliver fast, stable broadband connectivity — potentially up to 500 Mbps — to passengers onboard.
That means streaming movies, gaming, video calls, online work, social media and cloud access likely become realistic even at cruising altitude. All classes across all flights should benefit.
For travelers on Asian and international routes — from Seoul to North America, Europe, or regional destinations — this is a big upgrade in onboard experience and connectivity freedom.
Why This Is Significant
-
First fully fleet-wide Starlink deal in Korea: This marks the first time a major Korean airline group has committed to Starlink fleetwide.
-
Changing the in-flight experience: For many passengers, this move could redefine what “in-flight Wi-Fi” means — from basic messaging or light browsing to full internet access comparable to home.
-
Strategic timing amid consolidation: As Korean Air and Asiana Airlines complete their integration, and their subsidiary low-cost carriers align under Hanjin, unified connectivity offers a path toward a consistent travel experience across carriers.
-
Global LEO-based connectivity catching on: This deal underscores the global trend: airlines worldwide are increasingly turning to LEO satellite networks like Starlink to provide robust, global-coverage in-flight internet.
What to Watch For
-
Certification, installation & regulatory clearance — integrating satellite-internet antennas on aircraft takes time. The 2026 rollout timeline suggests space for testing and compliance.
-
Phased rollout — long-haul widebody jets first (777, A350), followed by narrow-body and short-haul aircraft. This means earlier benefits for international travelers than for domestic/regional flyers.
-
Service quality — performance (bandwidth, latency) depends on satellite coverage, traffic load, and aircraft hardware. While advertised 500 Mbps is promising, real-world speeds may vary.
Leave a comment