American Airlines is expanding Starlink Wi-Fi access onboard its mainline aircraft. This modernisation of the inflight customer experience involves including Starlink Wi-Fi on all aircraft, including both Airbus narrowbody aircraft and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft models. Consequently, installation of this new technology will start in early 2027.
The rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi on American Airlines’ fleet
American Airlines is considering Starlink rollout throughout its fleet via Performance Aero Terminal, which can deliver connectivity up to 1 Gbps per terminal.
The rollout focuses on the airline’s overall investment in connectivity and is linked to the installation of Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft. This will ensure long-term connectivity on over 1,000 aircraft which will improve the in-flight experience for customers of American Airlines. This will make long flights more enjoyable due to gaming, social media and streaming accessibility.
Better in-flight connectivity also means that passengers can stay online from gate to gate through a seamless digital experience.
Over 165 million customers fly on a mainline American aircraft every year across all four fleet families. And that number will grow in the long-term as American Airlines purchases over 300 new mainline aircraft in the upcoming years.
About American Airlines and Starlink Wi-Fi
American Airlines is a global airline connecting the USA to the world. The airline’s history dates back to 1926, and it now operates over 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations. As a result, American serves more than 200 million customers annually, and is the world’s largest airline by annual passenger numbers.
Meanwhile, Starlink is the world’s most advanced satellite constellation based on low-Earth orbit. It can deliver fast broadband internet which can support gaming, streaming and videocalls and is engineered and operated by SpaceX.
