WIFI on board, Hawaiian takes on Musk's satellites
When it comes time to put your phone in "airplane mode," you know that for the duration of the flight you will be "out [...]
When it comes time to put the phone in "airplane mode," you know that for the duration of the flight you will be "out of the world.", unless the on-board service provides for the Wi-Fi.
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Unfortunately, not all airlines offer this valuable service, certainly almost none Low Cost, while for other carriers depends By flights and aircraft type.
Some airlines offer Wi-Fi only for flights to long range and with sometimes not-so-cheap rates, for example 90 MB for 10€ or 400 MB for 30€. Emirates on the other hand gives the first 20MB of connection if you buy a package. Rates that make one smile a bit considering that with 20MB you get about 7 to 8 minutes on Facebook...
Hawaiian Airlines has decided to take its in-flight Wi-Fi service to another level, closing a partnership with the company Starlink of tycoon Elon Musk, which offers internet connection services ultrafast via satellite.
From early rumors, the service could also be free, as the CEO also claims. The low latency and low interference of satellites would allow this solution, it will be seen whether it will be forever like this or only for a promotional period, it is too early to tell.
"When we launch with Starlink, we will have the best connectivity experience available in the air. We have been waiting for the technology to reach our high standards for the guest experience, but it will be worth it.
Our guests can expect fast, uninterrupted and free Wi-Fi to complement our award-winning Hawaiian hospitality on board."
Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian will equip its Airbus A330s and A321NEOs with this technology, in addition to a fleet of Boeing 787-9s coming soon. Passengers will be able to watch content in streaming, surf the internet limitless, browse social media and share their journey live, without waiting to land.
"Hawaiian Airlines passengers will experience high-speed Internet as expected in the 21st century, making hassles like downloading movies before takeoff a relic of the past.
With Starlink, the in-flight experience is greatly simplified: once passengers are on board the plane, the Internet will work seamlessly during the flight. Soon, passengers will be able to enjoy all the benefits of having the best in-flight Internet connectivity in the world from the comfort of their seats."
Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of commercial Starlink sales at SpaceX
A revolution in short, free Wi-fi on scheduled flights is certainly no small thing! Hopefully, other airlines will also follow the example of Hawaiian Airlines.
