Onboard Starlink Wi-Fi trial taking connectivity to the skies
Air New Zealand is putting onboard internet to the test, trialling high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity on two domestic aircraft.
From today, passengers flying on ZK OXE, one of the airline's Airbus A320 domestic jets will have access to high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity throughout their journey. An ATR will join the trial later in the month. Wi-Fi will be accessible for free as part of the trial.
In an innovative move to test more seamless and connected travel experiences, Air New Zealand is trialling Starlink – the world's most advanced constellation using low Earth orbit to deliver internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and more.
Starlink's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites enable passengers to access the internet quickly and smoothly, whether for business, entertainment, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Passengers can use the internet onboard like they are in their lounge at home, scrolling through social media, working on live documents, streaming video content, or even gaming.
Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline is always looking for new and innovative technology to improve its onboard experience.
"We're committed to providing an exceptional experience for all our passengers, and this innovative technology could pave the way for more seamless, high-speed connectivity in the skies for Air New Zealand.
"We look forward to hearing from our customers as they test out onboard Wi-Fi. Their feedback will help guide our decision-making as we consider connectivity options for our domestic fleet."
In a global first, the airline will also expand the trial to its regional aircraft later this month, installing Starlink on one of its ATR turboprop aircraft. This expansion will also give regional travellers a chance to experience the same connectivity.
"Being the first airline in the world to trial Wi-Fi on a turboprop aircraft is a proud moment for us. Our goal is to explore the potential of this technology and understand how it can enhance customer journeys."
Air New Zealand is currently in the test phase of Starlink's onboard connectivity, seeking to understand how it performs in real-world conditions and to assess customer feedback.
As Air New Zealand continues to invest in digital innovation, this initiative represents a major step forward in offering more connected, convenient, and customer-centric journeys.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com