Flying just got a little more connected.

Air New Zealand has started trialling free high-speed Wi-Fi on two of its domestic aircraft, offering passengers the chance to stay online throughout their journey.

The trial, which kicked off this week, uses Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite technology to deliver reliable, low-latency internet onboard.

The service is now live on an Airbus A320 (ZK OXE) and will soon be rolled out to an ATR turboprop later this month.

The goal is to explore how seamless in-flight connectivity could transform the travel experience.

Whether you’re working, streaming, scrolling social media or keeping the kids entertained on a short haul, it all becomes easier with Wi-Fi in the sky.

And it’s not just jet-setters who stand to benefit.

This includes travellers flying to and from Auckland, including many Hibiscus Coast locals commuting for work, heading away for school holidays or planning a quick weekend break.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline wants feedback from passengers to help shape the future of onboard connectivity.

“We’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for all our passengers,” he says.

“This innovative technology could pave the way for more seamless, high-speed connectivity in the skies.”

In a global first, Air New Zealand will also trial Starlink on a regional ATR aircraft.

This marks the first time this technology is tested on a turboprop anywhere in the world.

If the trial proves successful, domestic flights could soon become more productive and more entertaining for Coasties heading in and out of Auckland Airport.

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