Starlink transforms inflight connectivity: Airlines offer faster Wi-Fi

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Starlink transforms inflight connectivity: Airlines offer faster Wi-Fi

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Geoffrey Thomas Editor-In-Chief - US Bureau Chief | Airline Ratings

By Sky Industry News

May 22, 2025

For years, airplane Wi-Fi was a service many passengers found lacking. Slow speeds and high costs often made it an unattractive option for travelers seeking connectivity in the skies. However, the advent of Starlink's satellite internet system is transforming this landscape.

Starlink utilizes low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally. This includes coverage over oceans and remote areas where traditional inflight Wi-Fi typically struggles. As a result, passengers can now enjoy fast enough speeds for streaming video, smooth video calls, and cloud-based work. On some airlines, the service is even offered for free.

Several airlines are adopting Starlink Wi-Fi in 2025. In North America, Hawaiian Airlines offers free Starlink Wi-Fi on its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircrafts with plans to extend it to Boeing 787s soon. United Airlines plans to introduce Starlink on regional jets by the end of 2025 and begin mainline aircraft installations in 2024. WestJet provides free access to its rewards members and TELUS customers on narrow-body aircrafts starting in 2025.

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In Europe, Air France will launch free Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet of over 200 aircrafts during summer 2025 despite some limitations in specific airspaces. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) plans a rollout starting late 2025 with complimentary access for all passengers. AirBaltic has already equipped its entire fleet with free Starlink internet.

In Asia & Oceania, Qatar Airways currently offers free Starlink Wi-Fi on select Boeing 777s and aims for full rollout across its 777 and A350 fleets by the end of the year with gate-to-gate internet access available to all passengers. Air New Zealand is testing Starlink on two aircraft types as part of a trial phase before committing to a full fleet implementation.

The shift towards enhanced inflight connectivity is driven by competition among airlines striving to improve passenger experience through comfort and entertainment options such as reliable Wi-Fi services.

As more airlines integrate fast satellite internet into their offerings, they align better with passenger expectations for seamless online experiences while traveling.

Passengers interested in having quality Wi-Fi during flights should verify if their chosen airline supports Starlink before booking tickets.