Vietjet adds $9.5mn to Starlink investment as Vietnam's in-flight Wi-Fi market heats up

The additional contribution raises Vietjet's total investment in Galaxy Pay, which is wholly owned by the airline, from VND50 billion ($1.9 million) to VND300 billion ($11.4 million).

Vietjet said the additional capital would be used to invest in the Starlink system for the airline.

The investment follows Vietjet's efforts to secure Internet connectivity for its aircraft.

In early 2025, Vietjet executives met SpaceX and other technology partners during a business trip to the U.S..

Vietjet later said it was negotiating with SpaceX and other in-flight Internet providers to serve its future fleet.

On May 20, Vietjet signed an agreement with Starlink Services Vietnam to provide Internet services on its aircraft.

Vietjet has yet to announce when the service will launch, how many aircraft will be equipped, how much it will cost or whether passengers will receive free access.

Which Vietjet aircraft could get Starlink first?

Vietjet's fleet mainly consists of Airbus A320, A321 and A330 aircraft, as well as C919 jets.

The airline uses the A321neo on domestic and international routes, with the A330 used only on longer international routes.

Starlink's technical certification list published through mid-May shows supplemental type certification for the Airbus A320, A321neo, and A330.

Vietjet operates all three aircraft types.

Starlink is expected to complete certification for the A321ceo in the third quarter of this year.

Still, the certification does not mean Vietjet has installed Starlink on its aircraft.

Vietjet has not identified the first aircraft type that will receive Starlink connection.

Installing satellite Internet requires satellite communication antennae, terminals, and systems to distribute signals throughout the cabin.

The installation also requires related technical modifications.

The system must meet aviation safety certification requirements before entering service.

Vietnam Airlines already offers in-flight Internet

Vietnam Airlines already provides in-flight Internet in cooperation with Vietnam's state-run telecom group VNPT.

The service uses satellite transmission technology, including infrastructure related to the Vinasat satellite and an international partner network.

Passengers can use the service for web browsing, messaging and social media at cruising altitude.

Vietnam Airlines offers different Internet packages depending on the route.

On Vietnam-US flights, the airline charges $7 for full-flight messaging, $12 for one hour of Internet and $25 for full-flight Internet.

On Vietnam-Europe and Vietnam-Australia routes, the airline charges about $5 for messaging, $10 for one hour of Internet and $20 for full-flight Internet.

On other routes, the airline charges $5 for messaging, $8 for one hour of Internet and $18 for full-flight Internet.

The service supports messaging, email, news reading, and social media use.

Use of applications requiring higher bandwidth depends on connection quality and the number of passengers using the service.

Vietnam Airlines has said it will expand Internet service beyond the A350 to other aircraft, including the Boeing 787.

The airline also plans to expand the service to its narrow-body fleet, depending on technical conditions and market demand.