HAWAII- On Feb 8, 2024, Hawaiian Airlines (HA) achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first major carrier globally to implement Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency broadband internet (Wi-Fi).
The service made its debut on one of Hawaiian’s Airbus A321neo, specifically N228HA, during a flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Long Beach (LGB).
Hawaiian Airlines Starlink Wi-Fi
The carrier is introducing complimentary Wi-Fi on select A321neo aircraft as they are activated in the upcoming months. This service is available to passengers immediately upon boarding, eliminating the need for cumbersome registration processes and complex payment systems.
According to Chris Liebertz, Senior Director of Engineering at Hawaiian Airlines, this integration of cutting-edge technology with authentic Hawaiian hospitality creates a unique travel experience unmatched by other airlines serving the Hawaiian Islands.
The newfound in-flight internet service from Hawaiian Airlines offers a level of speed that enables passengers to engage in activities like streaming, gaming, and other connected experiences typically enjoyed at home, even while traversing the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Will Seidel, Director of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, highlighted that Starlink’s aviation terminal, specially designed and installed on Hawaiian aircraft, ensures robust and fast internet signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. This innovative terminal seamlessly transitions connections between satellites as planes cross the Pacific, delivering an uninterrupted internet experience for travelers.
To guarantee optimal performance, Hawaiian and Starlink conducted extensive tests, including live flights, to assess connectivity under diverse conditions and pinpoint opportunities for enhancing user experience.
“During these tests, employees streamed shows and movies, played video games with friends, downloaded and uploaded large files, worked in real-time, and scrolled on social media,” explained Chris Liebertz, Senior Director of Engineering at Hawaiian Airlines.
“Each assessment then allowed us to fine-tune the service to the high-performance level for which Starlink is known.”
Vigorous Testing
Before making the service publicly available, Hawaiian Airlines collaborated with Starlink and worked alongside the FAA to ensure that the aviation terminal (antenna) adhered to rigorous safety standards, as highlighted by Will Seidel.
“After completing tests on the ground and in-flight on the first A321neo, the FAA certified Starlink for use on the rest of Hawaiian’s A321neo fleet – as well as any other A321neo,” he added.
Hawaiian is actively partnering with Starlink to implement this technology across its extensive long-haul fleet. The airline anticipates installing and activating antennas on all 18 A321neo aircraft by spring, followed by its A330s by the end of the year, and subsequently on its new flagship aircraft, the Boeing 787-9.
Until the service becomes available fleetwide, passengers will enjoy the pleasant surprise of accessing it as they board their flights.
For team members like Liebertz, who has been intimately involved in the project since before its public announcement in April 2022, the launch represents a significant milestone.
“Today is a major achievement, not only for my team but for both organizations. Collaborating with the Starlink team to equip our A321neos with this exceptional service has been an incredible journey,” Liebertz expressed.
“I eagerly anticipate my upcoming flight, where I can join our passengers in witnessing firsthand the transformative impact this technology will have on aviation.”
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