Elon Musk’s SpaceX-operated Starlink satellite internet has started providing in-flight internet on a number of airline companies’ flights. The service provides fast and secure broadband services allowing passengers onboard to stay connected with their dear and near ones during their flight. But do you know which airlines have it? This post has a list of airline companies that use Starlink in-flight internet service.
Starlink in-flight internet technology
Starlink satellite internet uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for its in-flight internet service. It’s contrary to geostationary satellites that other service providers use. The technology provides faster data rate and minimal latency which is difficult with the geostationary satellites albeit SpaceX has to deploy more satellites to ensure wider coverage.
The company employs Laser Mesh Network to beam data throughout its satellites which ensures connectivity over the oceans and in polar regions. As of now, the Starlink website mentions that it has over 9,000 lasers transmitting 10Pb+ of daily data traffic.
So far, Starlink has covered over 55,000 flights with its in-flight internet which translates to over 110,000 in-flight hours traveling over 55 million miles.
The arrival of Starlink satellite service for aviation has many airline companies shun traditional service providers such as Viasat and Intel for internet on their planes. As stated, the Elon Musk-headed company uses LEO satellites so it can provide faster internet service. This has made it more popular for in-flight internet.
Also: Starlink Maritime to bring its satellite internet to boats
Cost of Starlink in-flight internet service
Starlink for aviation is the company’s model of service aimed at providing in-flight internet to aircraft. It costs $2,000 a month for 20 GB of data. And afterward, each GB of data consumption costs $100.
Here is the list of airlines that use Starlink in-flight internet:
In North America
- Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines is one of the first to start Starlink’s in-flight internet. All of its A330 and A321neo aircraft fleet is equipped with Starlink satellite internet service. The airline will soon cover Boeing 787 with the same broadband technology. And the best thing? It’s free.
- United Airlines: United Airlines has expedited work to bring Starlink satellite internet to its aircraft which consists of 994 planes. The company will provide free access to its MileagePlus subscribers which enables them to stream, shop, game, etc. during flights. The company should complete this project by 2025.
- WestJet: WestJet is another company to sign up with SpaceX for Starlink aviation internet. The company will provide broadband service to its Reward members and TELUS customers. The company plans to complete installing Starlink terminals on its narrow-body aircraft by the end of 2025 and the same on wide-body aircraft at the end of 2026.
In Europe
- airBaltic: AirBaltic is the first European airline company to sign up for Starlink in-flight internet starting with its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. It’s likely to be subscription-based, however, the company hasn’t disclosed the fare. The company has already made its inaugural flight on February 21 with Starlink Internet. The Starlink terminal installation will be complete at the end of 2025.
- Air France: Air France will also equip its entire aircraft with Starlink satellite internet somewhere in 2025. Customers will need to log in to their Flying Blue account to enjoy in-flight internet, however, those flying in La Première First Class won’t have to log in for the privileged connectivity. Just like Hawaiian Airlines, it also provides free service to all passengers.
- Scandinavian Airlines: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will roll out Starlink Internet in phases starting in 2025. The broadband service will be available for free to all travel class passengers.
In Asia/Oceania
- Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways is one of the first in the Asian region to provide Starlink in-flight internet. The company provides satellite internet on Boeing 777s and Airbus A350 aircraft. The service is free for passengers flying in all types of class and there’s no data limitation.
- Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand has announced a plan to introduce Starlink internet service on its flight in 2025 which could mean a jet and a turboprop. Like many others on the list above, the company will provide broadband service for free to its passengers.
Starlink plans to bring onboard more airlines for its satellite internet. At the end of 2025, many airlines on the list above will have either started starlink internet or expand it on their aircraft while many others would sign up with the company for the service.