Hawaiian Airlines has announced a delay in the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation inflight connectivity system. Originally slated for launch this year, the much-anticipated WiFi enhancement is now expected to take flight in early 2024.
The delay stems from the Starlink team’s ongoing efforts to obtain certification and modification kits for the Airbus A321 and A330 fleets – the initial installations for these aircraft types. The carrier’s Airbus A321neo twinjets are set to be the first beneficiaries of Starlink, as announced during the company’s recent earnings call.
Alongside the A321neo and A330 installations, the airline has confirmed its plan to equip incoming Boeing 787-9s with Starlink Aviation IFC hardware, ensuring seamless connectivity for travelers across various aircraft. The Boeing 717s, which are primarily deployed for short-haul journeys, will not receive the Starlink treatment.
Hawaiian Airlines aims to keep passengers connected for free, also confirming there will be no charge to access the internet when flying on Hawaiian Airline jets equipped with Starlink.
Hawaiian Airlines joins a growing list of carriers embracing this game-changing connectivity solution. Fellow airlines like airBaltic, Zipair Tokyo, and JSX have also chosen to partner with Starlink Aviation. JSX has already retrofitted its entire Embraer ERJ fleet with the system, covering 77 aircraft.
