Hawaiian on Thursday became the world’s first major carrier to deploy Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet. The service debuted onboard an Airbus A321neo flight from Honolulu to Long Beach, California.
This will allow customers to use Starlink’s advanced internet technology to use their home internet and stay connected while in flight.
Airline Wi-Fi is free and available as soon as you board the aircraft. The airline says the service “does not require cumbersome registration pages or difficult-to-use payment portals.”
The service will be rolled out on select A321neo aircraft starting in the coming months.
“By combining this best-in-class technology with authentic Hawaiian hospitality, we are providing our customers with a travel experience unlike any other airline serving the Hawaiian Islands,” said Chris Lieberts, senior director of engineering at Hawaiian Airlines. “There is,” he said.
test of strength
Hawaiian’s new in-flight internet service speeds allow you to enjoy streaming, gaming, and other connected experiences at home while flying across the Pacific.
“Starlink’s in-house designed air terminals onboard Hawaiian Airlines aircraft will enable each plane to receive powerful, high-speed internet signals from satellites orbiting above the Earth,” said SpaceX’s Starlink Engineering. Director Will Seidel said. “As planes cross the Pacific Ocean, the terminal seamlessly switches connections from satellite to satellite, providing passengers with an uninterrupted internet experience.”
To ensure high performance, Hawaiian and Starlink conducted tests that included live flights to evaluate connectivity under various conditions and identify opportunities to improve the user experience.
“During these tests, employees streamed shows and movies, played video games with friends, downloaded and uploaded large files, worked in real time, and scrolled through social media,” Lieberts said. . Each evaluation allowed the company to fine-tune its services.
Service deployment
Seidel said Hawaiian and Starlink worked with the FAA to ensure the air terminal (antenna) met strict safety standards before opening to the public.
“Upon completion of ground and in-flight testing of the first A321neo, the FAA certified Starlink for use on the remainder of Hawaiian Airlines’ A321neo fleet and other A321neos,” he said.
Hawaiian is working with Starlink to deploy the technology across its long-haul routes. The airline plans to have the antennas installed and operational on all 18 of its A321neo aircraft by spring, followed by A330s by the end of the year, and later on its new flagship Boeing 787-9. The plan is to install and operate the system.
“Today marks a huge milestone, not only for my team, but for both companies,” Lieberts said. “We look forward to our next flight, where we and our guests can experience how this technology will revolutionize the aviation industry.”
