Austrian Airlines has launched high-speed Starlink internet on board its first aircraft, with a brand-new Airbus A320neo completing its first scheduled flight to Porto (OPO) on Sept. 7, 2026. The aircraft, registered as OE-LXF, is the first in the Austrian Airlines fleet to feature Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. The service is designed to allow passengers to stream video content, work using cloud-based applications and access other high-speed online services while flying. The airline plans to equip 20 aircraft with the new Wi-Fi service by the end of its 2026/27 winter flight schedule.
Starlink Wi-Fi Introduced Across Lufthansa Group
The new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi service will be available free of charge to Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all travel classes.
Passengers using the service will need to follow rules designed to maintain a comfortable cabin environment. These include using headphones when watching videos or listening to audio, while voice and video calls and live streaming from the aircraft will not be permitted.
Starlink is working with the Lufthansa Group to equip around 850 aircraft across its airlines with high-speed internet. Alongside Austrian Airlines, the rollout will include Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings.
Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann said high-speed internet is increasingly becoming an important requirement for passengers and that the airline is investing heavily in onboard connectivity.
Austrian Airlines Continues Fleet Modernisation
The A320neo carrying Starlink is the first of six new aircraft that Austrian Airlines will add to its short- and medium-haul fleet as part of its wider modernisation programme.
The airline currently plans to gradually retire its 17 Embraer aircraft by 2029, replacing them with six new Airbus A320neos. Each of the new aircraft will feature 180 seats.
The airline’s wider modernisation programme also includes new Premium Economy seats for its Boeing 787 fleet and the construction of more than 5,000 square metres of additional lounge space at Vienna Airport. Four new lounges are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027.
Another of the six new A320neo aircraft, also equipped with Starlink, is expected to enter service soon.
What do you think about having high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available on flights? Would you use it to stream or work in the air? Let us know in the comments section below!
