Three A330-200s to get LEO satellite-based system
Airline eyes enhanced cabin experience ahead of long-haul launch next year
Parata Air announced Friday that it has signed a contract with Panasonic Avionics, a global specialist in in-flight entertainment and communications, to introduce high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi across its fleet.
Under the agreement, Panasonic Avionics will equip all three of Parata Air's Airbus A330-200 aircraft with its latest high-speed Wi-Fi system on a rolling basis, laying the groundwork for seamless connectivity on long-haul routes.
The rollout is part of the airline's strategy to elevate the in-flight experience ahead of its planned long-haul international service launch next year. Beyond simply offering fast Wi-Fi, the airline aims to deliver ground-level connectivity at cruising altitude — boosting passenger satisfaction and differentiating its cabin experience from competitors.
The system runs on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Because LEO satellites operate far closer to Earth than conventional geostationary (GEO) satellites, they significantly reduce latency and deliver faster, more stable connections. Passengers will be able to browse the web, use messaging apps and stream video and other data-heavy content with greater ease.
Parata Air plans to offer the high-speed Wi-Fi service free of charge to Business Smart Class customers, allowing long-haul travelers to work, communicate and access a wide range of online content throughout their flights.
The airline is still reviewing various service models for economy-class passengers and will finalize its approach after weighing customer convenience and user experience.
"Time spent in the cabin on long-haul routes is part of the journey itself and a key element of the customer experience," Parata Air CEO Yun Cheol-min said. "This investment in high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi is about ensuring our customers enjoy the same level of connectivity in the sky as they do on the ground."
He added that the airline would continue to strengthen its in-flight services and digital content offerings while keeping safety as its top priority, so that customers can enjoy a more comfortable and satisfying travel experience.
Meanwhile, Parata Air has secured approval from the South Korean government to sell tickets on its Los Angeles route — following earlier clearance from the United States — and plans to begin ticket sales as early as the fourth quarter of this year. The airline had previously obtained operating approval from the US Department of Transportation and has since received an international route license for the US service from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
eyre@heraldcorp.com
