Travelers flying on ZIPAIR are now guaranteed to have the Starlink inflight internet service on board. The carrier confirmed full-fleet completion of its inflight internet upgrade this week, just 10 weeks after the first aircraft came online.
That pace is both very quick and a bit slow, depending on how one looks at it. The 7-10 day install pace, including removal of the prior equipment, is slower than what some other airlines are able to accomplish for their aircraft. At the same time, for a small airline (even with the backing of the larger JAL operation), getting it done quickly while maintaining a full schedule is impressive.
ZIPAIR’s selection of Starlink also drove its efforts to boost the inflight entertainment experience on board. That’s a somewhat surprising shift. With the backing of industry partners, however, it expects to deliver a more coherent and compelling inflight experience overall, not just a pipe to the internet.
Gulf Air is also celebrating, with its first Starlink-installed aircraft returning to service this week. The A320 (AC9-TB) spent a few days in Chateauroux, France for maintenance earlier this month before returning to Bahrain and commercial operations.
While not confirmed, the commute to France would suggest that Vallair and AeroX are working with Gulf Air on the Starlink installation efforts. ADS-B data suggests the plane parked at the Vallair hangar on arrival.
The carrier has committed to a full-fleet installation, with 35 active aircraft (28 A320-family, seven 787s) currently operating. It is also the second airline where CEO Martin Gauss committed the fleet to Starlink. He also made that move at AirBaltic.
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