Zipair Becomes the First Asian Airlines With Starlink-Equipped Fleet

‍TOKYO — ZIPAIR Tokyo (ZG) completed the installation of Starlink internet on its entire fleet, becoming the first airline in Asia to do so. 

First fully Starlink-equiped fleet in Asia

ZIPAIR is the long-haul budget subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JL) operating a fleet of eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Starlink installation works began in February 2026 and are being carried out by JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. (JALEC). 

Close cooperation with Boeing

Installation works included fitting Boeing’s Aerodynamic Shroud, a new fairing developed in cooperation with Boeing Global Services, to accommodate Starlink antennas onboard ZG’s Dreamliners.

“Boeing is proud to support ZIPAIR’s drive to redefine the in-flight experience and deliver greater convenience and value to passengers,” said Lindsey Douglas, Boeing Global Services Vice President of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance & Digital Services

Partnering with ZIPAIR to integrate Starlink across its 787 Dreamliner fleet is an example of how Boeing is making the installation of next-gen in-flight connectivity fast, reliable and passenger-ready. We are proud to make free high-speed internet the new basic standard of air travel,” said Yasuhiro Fukada, Chief Executive Officer of ZIPAIR.

Improving customer experience through high-speed internet

High-speed, low-latency Starlink internet is complimentary for all ZIPAIR Tokyo passengers, ensuring continuous connectivity onboard. 

“With Starlink service on every ZIPAIR flight, our customers can feel how time flies when they can stay connected just as they would on the ground,” said Yasuhiro Fukada

Starlink also enables connectivity for ZG’s onboard systems, including the airline's in-flight service system (IFS). All parts of IFS, including inflight connectivity, passenger services, and inflight commerce, as well as real-time payment authorization, are connected under one single onboard network.