Korean Air and partners to launch Starlink internet on flights by 2026

Korean Air and four partner airlines will introduce SpaceX’s Starlink internet service on flights starting in 2026. The move marks the first time a Korean carrier has adopted the high-speed satellite system for passengers. Customers can expect faster and more reliable connectivity while in the air. The rollout will begin with Korean Air and Asiana, focusing first on their long-haul aircraft. Both airlines plan to install Starlink on Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 planes as a priority. Korean Air aims to finish fleetwide installation by the end of 2027.

Jin Air, another affiliate, will start fitting its Boeing 737-8 fleet with the system. Meanwhile, Air Busan and Air Seoul are reviewing their own fleets to decide which aircraft will receive the upgrades first.

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet through a vast network of low Earth orbit satellites. Passengers on equipped flights will access seamless browsing, streaming, and messaging throughout their journey. The adoption of Starlink will bring faster and more stable internet to Korean airline passengers from 2026. The service will initially cover long-haul routes before expanding across entire fleets. This marks a significant upgrade in in-flight connectivity for travellers in the region.