Vietjet to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on flights

KUALA LUMPUR: Vietjet will introduce free high-speed Wi-Fi using SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on its flights, including services between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Vietjet chairwoman Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said the partnership reflected the airline's move to make high-speed inflight connectivity more widely available to passengers.

"With Starlink, time in the air no longer has to mean time offline. Vietjet passengers will be able to stay connected throughout their journey whether working, staying entertained, or keeping in touch with family and friends.

"This reflects Vietjet's longstanding commitment to innovation and our ambition to bring leading technologies closer to more people," she said in a statement.

Vietjet, together with its group companies Galaxy Holdings and Galaxy Telecom, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Starlink during Vietnam general secretary and president To Lam's working visit to the United States.

Under the initial phase, Starlink will be installed on 120 Vietjet aircraft comprising 100 Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 aircraft and 20 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Vietjet also plans to equip future aircraft deliveries with high-speed internet, extending the service across its domestic and international network.

Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, including over oceans, polar regions and remote areas.

SpaceX senior vice-president of global business and government affairs Tim Hughes said the introduction of Starlink on Vietjet would build on its existing service in Vietnam.

"The introduction of Starlink on Vietjet will build on the fast, reliable service already connecting homes and businesses on the ground in Vietnam.

"We're thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Vietjet and its customers, making every journey better, smoother and infinitely more enjoyable," he said.

Vietjet currently operates direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airline said the agreement marks the start of a long-term technology relationship between Vietjet and SpaceX as it continues to invest in digital technology, data and artificial intelligence.