The agreement will see Viasat’s in-flight broadband solution deployed on Korean Air’s upcoming fleet of Airbus A321neo jets as part of a fleet upgrade plan with 30 Airbus A321neos by 2027.
Viasat, the Global communications company has been chosen as the in-flight connectivity provider for Korean Air, the flag carrier of South Korea. The agreement will see Viasat’s in-flight broadband solution deployed on Korean Air’s upcoming fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft. Korean Air has a fleet modernization plan that includes the receipt of 30 Airbus A321neos by 2027. All these aircraft will be equipped with Viasat’s connectivity solution, offering reliable and high-speed in-flight internet services. These services will cater to short and mid-haul flights between Korean Air’s hub in Seoul and destinations across the Asia region.
The decision to partner with Viasat was driven by changing passenger expectations in the post-COVID aviation landscape. A recent Passenger Experience Survey revealed that 89% of Korean respondents expressed a greater likelihood of rebooking with an airline that offers quality in-flight Wi-Fi, compared to the global average of 82%.
Kenneth Chang, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Korean Air said, “Today marks an important milestone for Korean Air, as we embark on our first in-flight connectivity partnership. Our selection process started in 2018 and we’ve been focused on selecting the right solution that meets our business needs and can help us realize the untapped potential of our onboard experience. It was clear that Viasat’s technology was unparalleled and they understood our vision. The new connectivity system will be a fundamental part of our digital strategy and customer experience going forward. Coupled with the advanced features of our fuel-efficient, next-generation A321neo aircraft, we look forward to taking our passenger experience to the next level.”
Korean Air aims to fulfill these demands by providing a seamless and high-quality in-flight connectivity experience. Passengers will have the ability to stay connected, browse the internet, engage in social media, stream videos and music, shop online, and manage work tasks—all from the comfort of their seats.
Jimmy Dodd, Senior Vice President & President of Global Enterprise & Mobility, Viasat, said, “We are proud to add Korean Air, a leading airline, as a valued in-flight connectivity customer in this major market. Key to our ability to service Korean Air’s new A321neo fleet is our robust satellite network, designed to deliver fast and reliable Wi-Fi for an exceptional passenger experience.”
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The partnership also involves Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI), which provided the necessary hardware to fulfill Korean Air’s connectivity requirements. This collaboration ensures that passengers can engage directly with the airline during their journey and enjoy an elevated in-flight experience. As the aviation industry adapts to new travel patterns and expectations, Korean Air’s decision to prioritize reliable and high-speed in-flight connectivity demonstrates its commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences and meeting the evolving needs of its passengers.
