Korean Air introduces first Viasat-equipped Boeing 787 into commercial service

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Korean Air introduces first Viasat-equipped Boeing 787 into commercial service

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Korean Air | koreanair.com

By Sky Industry News

Jul 28, 2024

Korean Air’s first Viasat-equipped Boeing 787 has entered commercial service. The inflight connectivity is supported by Viasat’s Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite network, the satellite operator and ISP confirms to Runway Girl Network.

This is the first of 40 Boeing 787s that will sport the GX kit, bringing to 70 the number of aircraft in Korean Air's fleet in line for GX.

“With Viasat’s trusted inflight connectivity installed on these aircraft, Korean Air passengers will be able to browse the Internet, enjoy social media, shop online, catch up with work, and more — all from the comfort of their seats,” says Viasat.

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Last year, Viasat revealed that Korean would roll out Viasat connectivity on 30 new Airbus A321neos, telling RGN that GX is in play (using Safran’s terminal based on Honeywell JetWave) and that the partnership predates the close of its acquisition of GX operator Inmarsat.

The Carlsbad, California-based firm announced the 40-tail Korean 787 IFC deal in March of this year. Regarding the 787s, a Viasat spokesman tells RGN: “I can confirm these aircraft are Viasat GX installs.”

All aircraft, including the new A321neos and 787s, are scheduled to enter service by the end of 2027.

Korean Air has taken a multi-source approach to inflight connectivity. Once a customer of the now-long-defunct Connexion by Boeing IFC system, Korean Air in 2019 indicated it was again ready to connect its passengers, tapping Panasonic Avionics’ Ku-band connectivity system for some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.