Air New Zealand’s CEO, Greg Foran, announced that the days of spotty or non-existent in-flight Wi-Fi are coming to an end. Speaking “Squawk Box Asia,” Foran emphasized that reliable and fast Wi-Fi will soon become ubiquitous on full-service airlines. As airlines strive to meet passenger demands for seamless connectivity, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has emerged as the latest must-have technology for aircraft.
Air New Zealand first revealed in December 2023 that it would begin equipping its aircraft with Starlink services, known for providing high-speed internet via a constellation of 6,000 satellites. The service promises passengers access to fast and reliable internet, allowing them to stream videos, browse the web, and send instant messages on multiple devices throughout their flight.
However, passengers eager for these services will need to wait a little longer. Foran explained that Starlink’s rollout on Air New Zealand planes, initially slated for late 2024, has been delayed to 2025. “Early next year, you will see Starlink operating on one of our turboprops and one of our jets,” Foran said, adding that while tests have been conducted, the next step is full operational deployment.
United Airlines has also joined the Starlink revolution, announcing on September 13 the largest agreement in the airline industry for Starlink services. Testing will begin in 2025, with the eventual goal of installing the service across its fleet of over 1,000 planes. Once implemented, Starlink will enable passengers to access high-speed internet in previously unreachable areas, such as mid-ocean and polar regions.
Both Air New Zealand and United Airlines have indicated that Starlink services will be offered free to passengers or bundled into ticket prices, eliminating the need for additional in-flight purchases for internet access. This move addresses a long-standing frustration for travelers who are often dissatisfied with the quality and pricing of current in-flight Wi-Fi options.
Foran, who met with Starlink and SpaceX representatives shortly before speaking with CNBC, highlighted the strong progress made in bringing the service to Air New Zealand. “We’re well down this path, and I think it’s going to be a fantastic offering,” he said.
Several other airlines have already embraced Starlink as their go-to in-flight internet provider. Hawaiian Airlines and smaller carriers like JSX have inked deals with the satellite service. Most recently, in late September, Air France announced plans to roll out Starlink services across its entire fleet, beginning in the summer of 2025, marking what the French airline described as “a major step in its move upmarket.”
With its increasing influence in the aviation industry, Starlink is poised to reshape the in-flight experience, providing passengers with faster, more reliable internet on a global scale.