Air New Zealand is putting on-board Internet to the test, trialling high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity on two domestic aircraft.
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Passengers flying on ZK-OXE, one of the airline’s Airbus A320 domestic jets, will have access to high-speed, low-latency Internet connectivity throughout their journey. Wi-Fi will be accessible for free as part of the trial. Air New Zealand is trialling Starlink – the world’s most advanced constellation using low Earth orbit to deliver internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and more.
Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enable passengers to access the internet quickly and smoothly, whether for business, entertainment, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Passengers can use the Internet on-board like they are in their lounge at home, scrolling through social media, working on live documents, streaming video content, or even gaming.
In a global first, the airline will also expand the trial to its regional aircraft, installing Starlink on one of its ATR turboprop aircraft. This expansion will also give regional travellers a chance to experience the same connectivity.
“Being the first airline in the world to trial Wi-Fi on a turboprop aircraft is a proud moment for us. Our goal is to explore the potential of this technology and understand how it can enhance customer journeys.”
Air New Zealand is currently in the test phase of Starlink’s on-board connectivity, seeking to understand how it performs in real-world conditions and to assess customer feedback.