Viasat wins Korean Air in-flight broadband
August 30, 2023
By Chris Forrester
Korean Air is to install Viasat’s in-flight broadband connectivity into its Airbus A321neo fleet.
Korean Air will receive a total of 30 Airbus A321neos by 2027 as part of a fleet modernisation plan, all of which will be delivered line-fit with Viasat’s connectivity solution. These will be operated on short and mid-haul flights between the airline’s main hub in Seoul and destinations across the Asia region.
“Today marks an important milestone for Korean Air, as we embark on our first in-flight connectivity partnership. Our selection process started in 2018 and we’ve been focused on selecting the right solution that meets our business needs and can help us realise the untapped potential of our onboard experience,” said Kenneth Chang, Korean Air’s EVP/CMO. “It was clear that Viasat’s technology was unparalleled and they understood our vision. The new connectivity system will be a fundamental part of our digital strategy and customer experience going forward. Coupled with the advanced features of our fuel-efficient, next-generation A321neo aircraft, we look forward to taking our passenger experience to the next level.”
“We are proud to add Korean Air, a leading airline, as a valued in-flight connectivity customer in this major market,” said Jimmy Dodd, SVP & President, Global Enterprise & Mobility at Viasat. “Key to our ability to service Korean Air’s new A321neo fleet is our robust satellite network, designed to deliver fast and reliable Wi-Fi for an exceptional passenger experience.”
Viasat also announced it had been chosen to supply WiFi connectivity on a pair of important ferry services connecting Vancouver for the Vancouver Island Ferry Company. Hullo’s new high-speed ferries, Spuhéls and Sthuqi’, recently entered and travel between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo.
The Wi-Fi service will be free for a limited time. Hullo said it’s uncommon to offer full streaming-level Wi-Fi on a passenger ferry, and will keep passengers connected on the 70-minute ferry, much of which is out of cellular range.