IAG Joins Hawaiian, SAS, United, WestJet, Qatar Airways in Rapidly Growing List of Airlines Around the World Launching Starlink In-Flight WiFi for Seamless Passenger Experience, New Update is Here

The aviation world is undergoing a major transformation as IAG joins Hawaiian Airlines, SAS, United, WestJet, and Qatar Airways in an exciting new wave of innovation. These airlines are quickly rolling out Starlink in-flight WiFi to offer passengers a seamless, high-speed internet experience while cruising at 35,000 feet. With Starlink WiFi now becoming a reality for millions of travellers, in-flight connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity and here is everything you need to know about inflight Wifi system in airlines.
As the demand for fast, reliable, and uninterrupted internet continues to rise, Starlink is proving to be the game-changer that the aviation industry so desperately needed. IAG, alongside other major carriers like Hawaiian Airlines, SAS, United, WestJet, and Qatar Airways, is bringing this cutting-edge technology to their fleets, ensuring that passengers can stay connected no matter where they are. Whether it’s for business, entertainment, or communication, Starlink WiFi is revolutionising the way we experience air travel.
This shift marks a milestone in aviation history, as airlines and passengers alike benefit from faster speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection. IAG’s partnership with Starlink underscores a growing commitment to enhancing the in-flight experience for all travellers. Airlines around the world are recognising the incredible potential of Starlink WiFi, and the list continues to grow rapidly. Stay tuned to discover how these airlines are reshaping your next flight experience with Starlink in-flight WiFi
In recent years, in-flight Wi-Fi has evolved from a slow and unreliable service to a powerful tool for passengers, offering high-speed internet to keep travellers connected while soaring through the skies. At the heart of this transformation is Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, which is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for airlines worldwide. With Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet connectivity, the in-flight experience is set to change forever. Airlines across the globe are jumping on board, and some are already offering lightning-fast internet, making the air travel experience better than ever before. But what does this mean for the future of air travel? Let’s dive into the world of Starlink-powered aviation, the airlines leading the way, and what to expect in the coming years.
What is Starlink and How Does it Work?
Starlink is an internet service that provides high-speed satellite internet access. Unlike traditional satellite systems, which rely on high-altitude satellites that cause latency issues, Starlink uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that are closer to the Earth, offering significantly lower latency and faster speeds. This makes it ideal for in-flight Wi-Fi, as it allows passengers to stream videos, send emails, and browse the web at speeds comparable to what they might experience at home.
For airlines, this breakthrough technology is a game-changer. Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi services, which often rely on geostationary satellites, have faced challenges like slow speeds and high latency, making it difficult for passengers to stay connected. Starlink promises to overcome these challenges by delivering fast and reliable internet that is available even on remote flights, such as transoceanic routes.
Which Airlines Have Already Joined the Starlink Revolution?
The growing demand for faster in-flight internet has led many airlines to partner with SpaceX to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to their passengers. This move not only enhances the passenger experience but also serves as a competitive advantage for airlines. Here’s a look at some of the airlines that have already embraced this new era of in-flight connectivity.
North American Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines: As one of the first airlines to adopt Starlink, Hawaiian Airlines has already equipped its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft with the technology. Passengers flying on these planes can enjoy free Starlink Wi-Fi, making it one of the best services available in the industry. Hawaiian Airlines has been quick to embrace the benefits of Starlink, offering customers ultra-fast speeds at 161 Mbps on average.
- United Airlines: United has partnered with SpaceX for Starlink Wi-Fi on its regional jets. The airline plans to roll out Starlink across its entire fleet of regional jets by 2025, with a wider rollout expected in the coming years. In May 2025, United became one of the first airlines to operate a commercial flight with Starlink on board, with future deployments expected to extend to long-haul flights.
- WestJet: Based in Canada, WestJet is set to offer Starlink Wi-Fi on its aircraft by the end of 2025. The airline has signed a deal with SpaceX to equip its narrow-body fleet with Starlink connectivity first, with wider aircraft planned for the following years. WestJet has committed to offering free Wi-Fi for loyalty members, ensuring a premium experience for its frequent flyers.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines is also embracing Starlink, with the technology expected to be installed across its entire fleet by 2027. Passengers will be able to enjoy free high-speed internet, a valuable perk for those flying with Alaska.
European Airlines
- airBaltic: As the first European airline to implement Starlink, airBaltic has equipped its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft with the technology. The airline is set to offer free Wi-Fi to its passengers from February 2025, and will extend Starlink connectivity to the rest of its fleet by the end of that year. This move makes airBaltic one of the most forward-thinking airlines in Europe when it comes to in-flight connectivity.
- Air France: Air France has committed to offering Starlink Wi-Fi starting in the summer of 2025. With a fleet of over 200 aircraft, Air France is set to be a major player in the Starlink rollout across Europe. The airline will offer free Wi-Fi to all its passengers, marking a significant step toward revolutionising air travel in the region.
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): SAS has announced that it will introduce Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on its fleet of aircraft by the end of 2025. Like other airlines, SAS plans to offer free Wi-Fi to its passengers, ensuring that air travel is both connected and enjoyable.
- IAG (British Airways, Iberia, etc.): The International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes British Airways, Iberia, and other European carriers, has signed a deal with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi to more than 500 aircraft across its fleet. Rollout is set to begin in 2026, with the promise of free Wi-Fi for all passengers. British Airways, in particular, has highlighted its commitment to ensuring a seamless, high-speed internet experience for its customers in every cabin.
Middle East and Asia
- Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has introduced Starlink on its Boeing 777 aircraft, and by the end of 2025, it plans to extend the service to its entire fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. Free Wi-Fi will be available to passengers on these planes, offering an incredibly fast and reliable connection for those flying on one of the world’s leading airlines.
- Japan Airlines (JAL): Japan Airlines has announced its plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi on its international flights departing from Tokyo starting in 2025. The airline will offer free Wi-Fi to all its passengers, making it one of the first airlines in Asia to embrace Starlink’s cutting-edge technology.
Why Are Airlines Switching to Starlink?
There are several reasons why airlines are eager to integrate Starlink’s Wi-Fi technology into their fleets. One of the biggest reasons is that Starlink offers significantly faster and more reliable internet than traditional satellite-based systems, which is crucial for passengers who expect a seamless online experience. With speeds of up to 161 Mbps, Starlink makes it possible to stream videos, attend virtual meetings, and browse the internet with minimal latency, all while in the air.
Moreover, Starlink offers near-global coverage, meaning that even flights over remote oceans or polar regions will benefit from a stable internet connection. For airlines that operate long-haul or transoceanic flights, this is a huge advantage. Passengers will no longer need to rely on patchy satellite connections or endure slow speeds for the duration of their flight.
Additionally, airlines are looking for ways to stay competitive in a crowded market, and offering free, high-speed Wi-Fi is a major differentiator. With Starlink, airlines can offer their passengers an experience that matches or exceeds the internet speeds they enjoy at home or in the office.
What Are the Challenges of Starlink in Aviation?
While Starlink’s promise of high-speed internet is exciting, it does come with some challenges. One of the biggest hurdles airlines face is the cost of installing Starlink’s technology on their fleets. The process involves installing antennas on each aircraft and ensuring that the system is certified for use in-flight. This process can take time and can be expensive for airlines, especially those with large fleets.
Another challenge is the issue of radio interference. United Airlines, for example, temporarily had to shut off Starlink on some of its regional jets due to interference with VHF radio communications. This technical glitch highlighted the challenges that airlines and SpaceX must overcome in order to make Starlink Wi-Fi work seamlessly on all aircraft.
Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of Starlink, including its speed, reliability, and coverage, make it an appealing choice for airlines looking to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving world of air travel.
What Does the Future Hold for Starlink and Air Travel?
As more airlines embrace Starlink, the future of in-flight connectivity looks brighter than ever. The introduction of high-speed, low-latency internet will change the way passengers experience air travel, allowing them to stay connected and productive throughout their flight. With the promise of free Wi-Fi for all passengers on many airlines, Starlink could become the standard for in-flight internet, replacing slower, less reliable satellite systems.
In addition to improving the passenger experience, Starlink has the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry as a whole. By offering better connectivity, airlines can open up new possibilities for inflight entertainment, customer service, and communication. Passengers can stay connected to the outside world, attend virtual meetings, and make the most of their travel time, all while flying at 35,000 feet.
As the rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi continues, we can expect more airlines to join the growing list of carriers offering this next-generation in-flight connectivity. Starlink is not just the future of Wi-Fi—it’s the future of air travel itself.
Starlink is Changing the Skies Forever
Starlink has already begun transforming the in-flight Wi-Fi landscape, and its impact will only continue to grow in the coming years. Airlines around the world are embracing the technology to offer their passengers fast, reliable, and free Wi-Fi, enhancing the overall travel experience. From Hawaiian Airlines to Qatar Airways and airBaltic, more and more airlines are joining the Starlink revolution, and the sky is truly the limit.
The move toward Starlink-powered Wi-Fi represents a major shift in the way airlines connect with their customers. With faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage, Starlink is setting the standard for in-flight connectivity. As more airlines adopt this cutting-edge technology, passengers can expect a more seamless, enjoyable, and productive flying experience. So, the next time you step on a plane, you just might find yourself browsing the web or watching your favourite show with lightning-fast speeds—thanks to Starlink.
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