The issues were discussed at a meeting on implementing satellite internet on aircraft organised by Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Science and Technology on October 14, attended by representatives of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.
The meeting on coordinating the rollout of satellite internet on aircraft, chaired by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology on October 14 (Photo: Le Tinh).
A Vietjet representative said the airline was working with partners to provide onboard internet. The service has not yet been introduced on any of its aircraft, as the carrier is completing legal and technical procedures, with a launch targeted for early 2027.
In September, Vietjet reached an agreement with Starlink, the satellite internet service developed and operated by SpaceX, to provide free high-speed Wi-Fi on its flights. In the first phase, Starlink is expected to be installed on 120 Vietjet aircraft, including 100 Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 planes and 20 Airbus A330s. Future aircraft deliveries are also expected to be equipped with the service, with the aim of covering the airline’s entire domestic and international network.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is also completing licensing procedures and expects to introduce satellite internet on its Airbus fleet from early 2027. The airline is working with Panasonic on modifications and antenna installation.
Initially, it plans to connect through geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites such as Vinasat, before moving towards low Earth orbit (LEO) systems such as Starlink. The carrier has asked the Ministry of Science and Technology for advice on suitable solutions.
Airlines said satellite internet could improve customer service and strengthen their competitiveness, but they continue to face regulatory, technical and financial obstacles.
A Sun PhuQuoc Airways representative said the airline would manage the equipment, while its ability to sell the service would depend on licences held by intermediary telecommunications providers. The airline called for a regulatory framework tailored to aviation that would allow carriers to sell connectivity packages directly to passengers.
It also proposed optimising gateway arrangements on international routes, rather than requiring traffic to be routed through domestic infrastructure, to reduce operating costs.
The airline said charging spectrum fees for each aircraft placed a significant financial burden on operators. It called for a more flexible fee structure in line with international practices to lower investment costs and make the service more affordable.
A Sun PhuQuoc Airways representative speaks at the meeting (Photo: Le Tinh).
Ngo Minh Tuan, representing Vietnam Airlines, said the diversity of the carrier’s fleet created challenges involving equipment configurations, service life, remaining operating time and technical certification. The airline must also balance installation costs against the time aircraft would be grounded for upgrades.
Vietnam Airlines plans to equip its entire fleet with internet connectivity between 2027 and 2030. It urged authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures promptly so that trials could begin.
Vietravel Airlines, meanwhile, warned that installing terminal equipment and antennas on aircraft fuselages could affect their technical structure. The modifications would require assessments of electromagnetic compatibility with existing equipment and their implications for maintenance procedures.
The airlines called on regulators to issue clear guidance, technical standards and specific approval procedures.
No airline has announced pricing for onboard satellite internet. Investment and operating costs are expected to be major factors determining how affordable the service will be for passengers.
Concluding the meeting, Pham Huynh Quang Hieu, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Science and Technology, said demand for in-flight internet was high and satellite connectivity was technically feasible.
The department will establish a direct coordination channel with airlines, review legal procedures within its delegated authority and help resolve outstanding issues. It will also connect carriers with Viettel, VNPT, FPT and technology partners to optimise infrastructure, reduce intermediaries and work towards reasonable prices.
The department is also considering whether science, technology and innovation funding could provide initial support to stimulate the market. It plans to hold an online meeting with airlines and infrastructure providers next week to agree on technical solutions and cooperation models.