Zipair Tokyo will become the first Asia-based airline to introduce in-flight connectivity powered by SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Tokyo-based budget subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL) announced during the end of January its selection of Starlink to bring high-speed, low-latency internet to all passengers inflight through its satellite technology.
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service using a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide global coverage.
“Once integrated, all Zipair passengers will be able to seamlessly connect to Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency network anytime onboard – enabling real-time video conferencing, streaming, and gaming for all passengers,” said SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Sales Jonathan Hofeller, “As the first Asian airline to implement Starlink, Zipair is setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity, and we’re excited to work with the company to provide this modern in-flight connectivity experience.”
“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in air travel and are excited to be a part of that future,” said Zipair President Shingo Nishida. “We believe that our work with SpaceX is very important to increase the speed of in-flight Internet communications and achieve a new standard in the industry. “
Zipair Tokyo and SpaceX are working through the engineering review and regulatory certification process for Zipair‘s fleet for Starlink installation. Zipair Tokyo will be the second airline to partner with Starlink after Hawaiian Airlines.
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