Hawaiian Airlines To Add High-speed Internet on Transpacific Routes

Updated: April 25, 2022, 9:42am CDT

Hawaiian Airlines To Add High-speed Internet on Transpacific Routes

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One of the most frustrating things about commercial flying is how inconsistent connecting to the internet in the air can be.

Some flights offer fast speeds, while on others, connectivity can be spotty or even non-existent.

But one airline is trying to change that and says that high-speed internet is coming to its flights starting next year. Here’s what to know!

High-speed Internet Coming to Transpacific Hawaiian Airlines Flights

Hawaiian Airlines says it is the first airline to announce an agreement with the satellite network company Starlink to offer high-speed internet on its transpacific flights.

Hawaiian says the service will be offered between Hawaii and its routes in the continental U.S, Asia, and Oceania.

Even better, Hawaiian says the service will be free of charge to passengers.

The service isn’t available just yet, however. Hawaiian says the airline and Starlink are in the “initial stages of implementation” and expect to begin installing the product on select aircraft in 2023.

Hawaiian Airlines extra comfort economy — Image Credit: Hawaiian Airlines

“When we launch with Starlink we will have the best connectivity experience available in the air,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram in a statement.

Ingram said the airline waited until technology caught up with the airline’s high standards for the guest experience and said it would be “worth the wait.”

The airline will equip its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft with the service, as well as an incoming fleet of Boeing 787-9s.

In 2018, Hawaiian agreed to purchase 10 787s from Boeing and purchased rights for 10 additional jets. However, that delivery has been delayed until 2023, Ingram stated on an earnings call in January 2022.¹

Keep in mind the airline says it has no plans to offer the Starlink service on its Boeing 717 jets, which are used on interisland flights.

Hawaiian is Hawaii’s biggest airline, offering service between the islands and 16 continental U.S. destinations and flights to Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Tahiti.

Hot Tip: Learn about the best ways to earn and redeem Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles by reading our guides!

Final Thoughts

This is really exciting news for travelers. Hawaiian offers some pretty long routes, like its nonstop flight between Honolulu (HNL) and New York (JFK) and Honolulu to Sydney (SYD). Having stable internet on long flights is imperative, particularly for travelers who need to work in the air or stay connected with friends and family on the ground.

While the service won’t be available until 2023, it’s clear that Hawaiian’s partnership with Starlink will greatly benefit travelers.

Featured Image Credit: Hawaiian Airlines

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About Victoria M. Walker

Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.

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