Satellite-based internet will power inflight Wi-Fi on a lot more planes in 2027
Source: 9to5Mac
American Airlines upgrading over 500 planes with Starlink internet
American Airlines announced today that it has tapped Starlink’s satellite internet service to power inflight Wi‑Fi starting in Q1 2027.
The wireless internet upgrade will come to more than 500 narrow‑body aircraft early next year.
“Starlink is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting inflight streaming, online gaming, collaborative meeting tools and more,” American Airlines says. “With thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink can deliver multigigabit connectivity to aircraft using its Aero Terminal, which can support up to 1 Gbps per antenna.”
— American Airlines press release
The Starlink‑powered upgrade is planned for more than 500 Airbus aircraft, including new A321XLR and A321neo deliveries.
Other airlines adopting satellite‑based inflight Wi‑Fi
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United Airlines has already begun deploying Starlink‑based internet on its fleet.
(United’s Starlink page) -
Southwest Airlines is launching Starlink‑based internet this summer.
(Southwest press release) -
Delta Air Lines and Amazon inked a deal to use Amazon Leo satellite internet for inflight Wi‑Fi.
(Delta‑Amazon agreement) -
JetBlue tapped Amazon Leo as its satellite‑based internet provider.
(JetBlue press release)
Amazon’s role in satellite connectivity
Amazon recently purchased Globalstar, becoming Apple’s emergency satellite service provider for iPhone and Apple Watch. The acquisition bolsters Amazon’s growing Amazon Leo offering, which is expected to power satellite‑based Wi‑Fi on flights in the future.