Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), the global leading provider of in-flight engagement and communications (IFEC) solutions, is launching the world’s first Passpoint in-flight Wi-Fi roaming service with SK Telink and its roaming gateway of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The service is expected to roll-out to customers flying on select Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER and A350-900 aircraft in April 2025.

Passpoint Wi-Fi roaming during flights, which is uniquely offered in flight by Panasonic Avionics, will enable passengers to quickly and easily connect to in-flight Wi-Fi using existing mobile phone plans, eliminating the need for separate subscriptions or complex logins.

By leveraging MNOs’ subscriber authentication solutions and Panasonic Avionics’ cutting-edge connectivity technology, passengers will be able to easily and seamlessly transition from terrestrial to airborne networks.

The first of its kind to be offered in flight, Panasonic Avionics’ service works by authenticating the passenger’s device onto the Wi-Fi network using its SIM credentials or app-based credentials, with the passenger paying their home mobile network provider.

John Wade, Vice President of Connectivity at Panasonic Avionics, said: “At Panasonic Avionics, our goal is to take the friction out of in-flight Wi-Fi, and let passengers walk on to an aircraft and immediately be connected. Passpoint Wi-Fi roaming represents a significant opportunity for the airline sector to enhance their passenger experience, and we salute Korean Air’s market-leading approach in being the first to adopt this innovation we are introducing.

“Our new service provides a viable path for airlines to offset the costs associated with offering Wi-Fi to passengers, while delivering a connection experience for passengers that is easy and intuitive.”

Sung-Chul Lee, Senior Vice President of Global Business at SK Telink: “As a global roaming gateway of MNOs, SK Telink looks forward to working with both Panasonic Avionics and our network of mobile operators to make in-flight Wi-Fi services available on even more flights with airlines around the world.”

Panasonic Avionics, leveraging its experience of connecting MNOs to in-flight connectivity (IFC), will handle the technical, commercial, and billing needs of connecting mobile operators to IFC, allowing airlines to focus on their core business, in cooperation with SK Telink and its roaming gateway of MNOs.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight engagement and communication systems. The company pioneered the industry beginning in 1979 and has consistently introduced innovations that enable unique customer experiences and enhance airline loyalty (e.g., Net Promoter Score (NPS)), ancillary revenue, and operational efficiency.

Over 200 leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics in-flight engagement, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital solutions on their aircraft. Panasonic Avionics’ proven systems are supported by the largest, global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance. With Panasonic Avionics’ unique products and services such as its new in-flight Wi-Fi roaming service, airlines can tap into a richer passenger experience.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in Irvine, California with over 3,500 employees and operates in 50 locations around the globe.

Featured image credited to Panasonic Avionics Corporation