In a step toward transforming the way we travel in Aotearoa, Air New Zealand is working with the revolutionary satellite internet service provider, Starlink, to introduce free internet onboard domestic aircraft.

Starlink will be installed on a domestic jet and, in a world first, on an ATR in late 2024. After a successful trial, Air New Zealand will look to roll out Starlink internet on other aircraft in its domestic fleet in 2025.

Starlink offers reliable high-speed, low latency in-flight internet. With latency as low as 30ms, all passengers will be able to use internet like never before.

From streaming video content to working while onboard, and instantly messaging friends and family with multiple devices connected, Air New Zealand customers will be able to access internet as if they were in their lounge at home.

Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the partnership demonstrates the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences at every point of their journey.

“We’re always looking at how new and innovative technology can deliver improved customer experiences and with the world’s largest satellite constellation, exploring in-motion connectivity on our aircraft with Starlink was a no brainer.

“Whether travelling for work or leisure, we know maintaining seamless internet connectivity is something that will transform the travel experience for customers. Our free and accessible WiFi onboard international flights has proved incredibly popular among customers, so we can’t wait to bring connectivity to domestic flights.

“Don’t worry though, if you’re the type of traveller who loves some downtime while in the air, you’re under no obligation to connect and can still use the time to switch off from the world below!”

Jason Fritch a Vice President of Starlink at SpaceX says, “We’re proud to work with Air New Zealand to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet to their aircraft and extend this game-changing in-flight connectivity experience to more passengers around the world.”

What has Air New Zealand announced today?

Air New Zealand is working with the revolutionary satellite internet service provider Starlink to introduce internet onboard its domestic aircraft. Starlink will be installed on a domestic jet and, in a world first, on an ATR, for an initial period of four to six months. After a successful trial period, Air New Zealand will look at rolling out Starlink internet on other aircraft in its fleet.

Why has Air New Zealand decided to invest in this technology with Starlink?

Air New Zealand is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and is always looking for new and innovative technologies that allow customers to have the best experience onboard. This will see the airline demonstrate a new in-flight internet offering that could change the way customers travel around Aotearoa.

What does Starlink offer customers?

Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing in-motion connectivity around the globe. Since the satellites are moving in low-earth orbit, there are always satellites overhead or nearby to provide a strong signal. Starlink offers reliable high-speed, low latency inflight internet. With latency as low as 30ms, it means all passengers will be able to use internet like never before, for example, streaming content from multiple devices with ease and other high data rate activities.

When will the first Air New Zealand aircraft be activated with Starlink?

The first Air New Zealand aircraft will have Starlink installed in late 2024 for an initial demonstration period of four to six months.

How will customers know if Starlink internet is onboard their flight?

During the initial demonstration period, our cabin crew will let customers know that they can connect to the internet while onboard the flight. If we progress with rolling out internet across additional aircraft in 2025, we’ll look to add information to the app (like on international services) so customers will know whether they have internet onboard ahead of travel.

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat – a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has 104 operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It’s a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 7.3 years. Air New Zealand’s global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. Pre-Covid, the airline flew more than 17 million passengers every year, with 3,400 flights per week. Air New Zealand was recently named the World’s Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline’s laser-focus on safety. Last year, Air New Zealand won Best Corporate Reputation in New Zealand – 8th year in a row.

Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the US, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework  helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.

About Star Alliance

Air New Zealand is proud to be a member of Star Alliance. The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,321 airports in 193 countries.

Featured image credited to Air New Zealand