ZipAir to become the first Asian airline to use Starlink

Starlink is continuing to make strides in the Inflight Connectivity space, with the SpaceX company signing up ZipAir Toyko of Japan as a customer.

ZipAir will utilise the Starlink connectivity solution, to bring higher-speed and lower-latency internet to all passengers in-flight.

In terms of technology, Starlink utilises a low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, as opposed to other some other providers whose satellites work in different orbits.

This cutting-edge technology will allow passengers to enjoy smooth streaming, faster downloads, and lower latency communication during their entire flight.

In Quotes

SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Sales Jonathan Hofeller said:

“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,”

“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.”

ZIPAIR President Shingo Nishida added

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in air travel and are excited to be a part of that future,”

“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. “

Some way to go.

ZIPAIR and SpaceX are working through the engineering review and regulatory certification process for ZIPAIR’s fleet for Starlink installation. As such, there is no date for entry into service as yet.

Another win for SpaceX’s Starlink

For SpaceX’s Aviation Starlink, it’s another win, with Hawaiian Airlines, JetX and airBaltic all signing on to use their connectivity solution.

No doubt, other airlines will be looking at the solution to see if it is cost-effective and viable to deploy, as the model of paying for wi-fi onboard is slowly falling apart.

There will be challenges – for Starlink, the work to certify the equipment. Sadly, it’s not as simple as sticking a Starlink dish on an aircraft – there’s a lot more work than that to ensure it is safe for flight.

It’ll be interesting to see how long these aircraft take to be fully equipped and have connectivity in the sky.

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