Starlink WiFi set for global airline expansion

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
February

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings

Boeing Will Buy Spirit AeroSystems For $4.7 Billion In Stock & Airbus Enters $559 Million Agreement For Its Parts

Bombardier Global Jet Production Stops in Toronto as Union Workers Strike | AIN

Justice Department To Offer Boeing a Plea Deal Related to Max Crashes

Global Industry News

Starlink WiFi set for global airline expansion

Policy

Starlink | Starlink Website

By Sky Industry News

Feb 6, 2025

Several airlines worldwide are integrating Starlink WiFi into their fleets, promising enhanced inflight connectivity. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has launched numerous satellites to improve network coverage, attracting various airlines.

Qatar Airways has already implemented the system. The airline announced in May 2024 that it would introduce complimentary WiFi on three Boeing 777-300ERs by the year's end, with Starlink as the provider. This is part of Qatar Airways' broader goal to install connectivity solutions across its entire fleet within two years. The first flight equipped with Starlink WiFi took place in October 2024.

Hawaiian Airlines was the first to launch Starlink WiFi, announcing its intentions in April 2022. The carrier offers free WiFi on routes from Hawaii to Asia, Oceania, and mainland USA using Airbus A321neo and A330 aircraft and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Hawaiian Airlines' President and CEO Peter Ingram emphasized the high standards for guest experience: "When we launch with Starlink we will have the best connectivity experience available in the air."

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.

WestJet also announced a significant deal last year. In July 2024, WestJet partnered with TELUS to provide fast and free internet through Starlink onboard its aircraft by year-end. WestJet aims to offer this service for free initially to members of its loyalty scheme.

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) recently signed a similar agreement with Starlink. SAS plans a phased rollout starting at the end of 2025, offering free access for EuroBonus frequent flyers. Paul Verhagen, SAS's Chief Commercial Officer, stated: "We’re connecting our passengers to the world like never before."

Air New Zealand is preparing to roll out Starlink soon after successful trials in late 2024 on domestic flights using an ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Other airlines such as airBaltic and ZIPAIR have committed to using Starlink for onboard connectivity enhancements. United Airlines plans a full fleet rollout by Spring 2025, while Air France will start introducing Starlink this summer.