Air New Zealand has officially begun testing Starlink’s satellite-powered inflight Wi-Fi on its domestic fleet. What sets this trial apart from other is that it includes the world’s first installation on a turboprop aircraft, marking a new chapter for regional aviation connectivity.
Passengers flying on one the airline’s Airbus A320 (ZK OXE) can now access free, high-speed, low-latency internet thanks to SpaceX’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Starlink satellite service. Later this month, an ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft will join the trial, giving regional flyers the same access to seamless onboard internet typically reserved for long-haul routes.
Air New Zealand’s trial marks the first time any airline has taken the technology live onboard a turboprop aircraft.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer, Nikhil Ravishankar, says the airline is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on short-haul routes.
“We’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for all our passengers. This innovative technology could pave the way for more seamless, high-speed connectivity in the skies for Air New Zealand,” he said.
Starlink’s LEO constellation enables lower-latency and more reliable connections than traditional geostationary satellite systems, making it particularly effective in geographically challenging countries like New Zealand. Passengers can browse the web, scroll social media, stream video content, or even play online games—all from the cabin.
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The trial’s initial rollout will help Air New Zealand assess how Starlink performs under real-world conditions, such as varying altitudes and short flight durations. Passenger feedback during the free trial period will help guide future decisions on a broader fleet-wide implementation.
