Airlines operating domestic flights in South Africa still do not offer inflight WiFi connectivity.
As the demand for inflight connectivity grows, passengers are increasingly looking for airlines that can offer fast, reliable WiFi.
Starlink, a satellite internet service from SpaceX, has emerged as a potential game-changer for airlines worldwide.
But could South Africa’s airlines provide this service to their passengers? Let’s explore the possibilities.
Challenges in Providing InFlight WiFi
MyBroadband reports that no South African domestic airline offers inflight WiFi connectivity.
While the technology exists, its implementation can be costly and complex.
Aircraft require expensive equipment, and regulatory approval is often slow or difficult to secure.
Additionally, the type of aircraft used by airlines affects the feasibility of installing and operating WiFi services.
South African Airlines and InFlight WiFi
At present, South Africa’s domestic carriers have not yet adopted traditional inflight WiFi technology.
This is largely due to the high costs of equipping aircraft with the necessary systems.
However, Starlink offers a promising alternative that could change the landscape of inflight connectivity.
Starlink Aviation
Starlink Aviation, a product designed specifically for aircraft, could be the key to bringing inflight WiFi to South African skies.
The service is already in operation with airlines like Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways.
It relies on a network of SpaceX satellites to provide internet access.
Since its launch in October 2022, Starlink has offered download speeds between 40Mbps and 220Mbps, with upload speeds of 8Mbps to 25Mbps.
Aircraft Compatibility with Starlink
For Starlink to work on South Africa’s airlines, the aircraft in question must be equipped with an Aero Terminal antenna to connect to the Starlink satellites.
To date, the certification for this exists for just 12 different airframes – with one of them, the Airbus A330 already used by South African Airways.
The Airbus A320, which is operated by budget carrier Lift and South African Airways, is expected to be certified in 2025.
Additionally, the Boeing 737-800, a common aircraft for domestic flights in South Africa, is also expected to receive certification in the first quarter of 2025.
Regulatory Hurdles
Despite the technical feasibility, regulatory approval remains an obstacle.
South Africa’s communications regulators must approve Starlink Aviation’s satellite-based service before it can be rolled out to South Africa’s airlines.
This process may take a considerable amount of time, delaying the widespread adoption of Starlink’s services in aviation.
The Road Ahead
Starlink’s satellite-based technology is currently the only commercially viable solution for providing internet connectivity to aircraft at cruising altitude.
However, retrofitting aircraft with the necessary equipment, including the installation of radomes on the fuselage, comes with its own set of challenges.
The radomes are costly and could potentially affect the aircraft’s performance, adding to the complexity of implementing this technology.
The Future of Inflight WiFi in South Africa
While it may take time for regulatory processes and technical barriers to be overcome, the potential for Starlink to revolutionize inflight WiFi connectivity in South Africa is clear.
Once certified, airlines like South African Airways, Lift, and others may soon be able to offer high-speed WiFi to passengers, bringing them closer to the global trend of connected skies.
