Weekly Newsletter

01 September 2023

Weekly Newsletter

01 September 2023

Korean Air selects Viasat as in-flight connectivity supplier

Viasat has been selected to provide in-flight connectivity for Korean Air’s upcoming A321neo fleet.

Cat Vitale August 30 2023

Flag carrier Korean Air (KAL) has selected global communications company ViaSat as the in-flight connectivity provider for its future fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

This partnership is the first in-flight connectivity collaboration for the airline, as it responds to growing market needs.

Following an order of 30 A321neo aircraft from Airbus in 2022, KAL aims to employ the aircraft by 2027 as part of a fleet modernisation plan.

Viasat SVP and global enterprise and mobility president Jimmy Dodd emphasised how the connectivity partnership aims to deliver fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Dodd said: “We are proud to add Korean Air, a leading airline, as a valued in-flight connectivity customer in this major market. Key to our ability to service Korean Air’s new A321neo fleet is our robust satellite network, designed to deliver fast and reliable Wi-Fi for an exceptional passenger experience.”

According to Airbus, Korean Air has specified a high-comfort two-class layout for its A321neo fleet that offers new lighting and ambience systems, larger overhead bins and full connectivity throughout the cabin.

The A321neo aircraft are set to be operated on short and mid-haul flights between the airline’s main hub in Seoul and various destinations across Asia.

Korean Air’s executive VP and chief marketing officer Kenneth Chang highlighted how the new partnership is set to enhance customer experiences and the onboard experience.

Chang said: “Today marks an important milestone for Korean Air, as we embark on our first in-flight connectivity partnership. Our selection process started in 2018 and we’ve been focused on selecting the right solution that meets our business needs and can help us realise the untapped potential of our onboard experience,”

“It was clear that Viasat’s technology was unparalleled, and they understood our vision. The new connectivity system will be a fundamental part of our digital strategy and customer experience going forward. Coupled with the advanced features of our fuel-efficient, next-generation A321neo aircraft, we look forward to taking our passenger experience to the next level.”

According to a Korean Air passenger experience survey, 89% of respondents would be more likely to rebook with an airline if quality in-flight Wi-Fi was available, compared to 82% globally.

Demand for upscale and luxurious products has been rising steadily in the travel and tourism sector

The increased need for privacy, a greater focus on health and wellbeing, a desire to tick off ‘bucket list’ experiences, the tendency to take longer trips, the focus on eco-tourism, and an increase in millionaires means the theme of premiumization will continue to grow in importance. The travel industry will experience a surge in demand for higher-end and customized offerings as experiential consumption keeps growing. While premiumization attracts only a small number of global travelers, it is a valuable revenue stream for companies as it is unlikely to be impacted by external factors like economic downturns.

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