Quantcast

IAG explores inflight WiFi options with Starlink and Amazon

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
IAG explores inflight WiFi options with Starlink and Amazon
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Airline group IAG is in discussions with satellite internet provider Starlink to potentially equip its aircraft with the company's inflight WiFi service. The group, which includes British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL, is also considering Amazon's Kuiper Systems as an alternative.

Annalisa Gigante, IAG's head of innovation, confirmed the talks in an interview with Bloomberg. She stated that the airline group is exploring options "both with Starlink and with Amazon's Kuiper" to provide free inflight WiFi to passengers. Gigante added, "We’ve got some really exciting things coming up, but that’s going to be for next year."

Several global airlines have already chosen Starlink's product for their fleets. Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines are among those using Starlink's WiFi service at 35,000 feet due to its reliable connectivity.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Starlink's technology relies on a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. In contrast, other systems typically use satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). Meanwhile, Amazon is developing 'Project Kuiper,' which aims to launch over 3,000 satellites by the end of the decade.

Currently, IAG has a deal with internet provider Inmarsat—acquired by Viasat last year. British Airways plans to equip its entire fleet with WiFi by 2025; however, its short-haul aircraft still lack this capability.

Gigante noted potential regulatory challenges for IAG in implementing Starlink compared to U.S.-based carriers since European authorities have not yet certified it for use on aircraft. This requires separate certification processes from those approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.

A spokesperson from Starlink responded via email to Bloomberg stating that "this is not accurate," regarding concerns about regulatory hurdles.

Airlines such as airBaltic aim to become early adopters of Starlink within Europe. Hawaiian Airlines recently completed equipping its Airbus A330 fleet with Starlink technology while Qatar Airways has installed it on select Boeing 777s.

United Airlines' agreement with Starlink covers nearly 1,000 aircraft across its fleet—a significant achievement for the provider as onboard WiFi becomes increasingly expected by passengers today.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has announced the launch of a global campaign titled "Safety Starts with Two" to oppose reduced-crew operations and advocate for maintaining two pilots on the flight deck at all times.

Apr 25, 2025

Emirates has announced its status as the world's first Autism Certified Airline and is expanding its 'Travel Rehearsal' program to 17 global cities to support neurodiverse travelers.

Apr 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Uber, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles on eligible Uber rides and UberEats orders.

Apr 25, 2025

Hainan Airlines has announced the introduction of exclusive discount vouchers for international transfer passengers at Haikou Meilan International Airport.

Apr 25, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the introduction of new nonstop services from San Diego to Phoenix, commencing on August 20.

Apr 25, 2025

Boeing has announced an agreement to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Apr 25, 2025