Hawaiian Airlines has successfully equipped nearly all of its US mainland flights with Starlink's fast and free WiFi service. The carrier recently completed the installation of its final Airbus A330-200, marking a significant milestone in its connectivity upgrade initiative.

Initially presented as a "surprise and delight" feature, WiFi has now become a standard offering in most of Hawaii's fleet. Currently, only 21 aircraft, primarily Boeing 717-200s, remain without inflight connectivity.

The airline's crew has reported positive feedback regarding the WiFi service.

Hawaiian Airbus Fleet Offers Free Wi-Fi

A Hawaiian Airlines captain shared on social media that passengers are less likely to "bother" flight attendants, suggesting improved customer satisfaction and reduced in-flight disruptions.

Hawaiian Airlines made history in February when it became the first major airline globally to install Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband internet on a commercial plane. The inaugural flight featuring this technology was operated by A321neo from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu to Long Beach Airport.

Since the initial rollout, Hawaiian has successfully retrofitted its entire A321neo fleet, consisting of 18 aircraft, and the A330-200 fleet, comprising 24 planes. This rapid implementation demonstrates the airline's commitment to enhancing passenger experience through technological advancements.

Significant Advantage over Traditional Wi-Fi

Starlink's service offers several advantages over traditional in-flight WiFi providers like Viasat. Hawaiian Airlines emphasizes that Starlink provides faster connectivity and eliminates the need for complex registration processes or payment portals.

But now, Hawaiian passengers can access the internet immediately upon boarding, streamlining the user experience.

The WiFi aviation terminal installed on each aircraft enables streaming, gaming, and various entertainment options.

Will Seidel, Starlink's engineering Director, explained that the self-designed aviation terminal allows aircraft to receive strong, fast internet signals from satellites orbiting Earth. The system seamlessly switches connections between satellites as planes cross the Pacific, ensuring uninterrupted internet access for passengers.

Hawaiian 787 to Offer Free Wi-Fi by 2024

Hawaiian's Airbus A330-200s are the backbone of its transpacific and international network and now offer enhanced connectivity.

These aircraft serve various destinations across the US, which includes Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

If we talk about International service, they connect to Auckland, the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, Fukuoka, Osaka, Pago Pago, Papeete, Sapporo, Seoul, Sydney, and Tokyo.

On the other hand, the Hawaiian A321neo fleet is ideal for West Coast routes such as Ontario, San Jose, and Long Beach, and also operates some inter-island flights with the new WiFi service.

Further, Hawaiian recently took delivery of two brand-new 787-9 Dreamliners. They currently serve Phoenix and Los Angeles from its base, Honolulu. The Boeing 787 Fleet will be deployed on additional routes as the carrier receives more of it.

Hawaiian has 10 787-9 on order as of September 2024. While these new aircraft are not yet equipped with Starlink, the airline plans to retrofit them by the end of the year.

Hawaiian Airlines which recently merged with Alaska Airlines is committed to upgrading all its transpacific aircraft with Starlink Internet service by the end of 2024.