Several international airlines are already using Starlink’s high-speed internet. Lufthansa is now following suit, while some leisure airlines still have a long way to go in terms of connectivity.
Lufthansa made the introduction of Starlink a special event, with CEO Jens Ritter personally activating the new internet technology on an Airbus A320 Neo flight from Frankfurt to Rome on August 19.
However, the carrier is not a pioneer in this field, as other major airlines are already further ahead with Starlink. Air France claims to be the first European airline to introduce high-speed internet based on SpaceX’s satellite technology, with plans to offer it on all machines by the end of the year.
United Airlines has already equipped over 560 aircraft with Starlink and plans to complete the upgrade by the end of 2027. Worldwide, around 50 airlines have introduced or plan to introduce Starlink, including well-known brands like British Airways, Emirates, and SIA.
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In early November, Easyjet announced that it will equip its aircraft with Starlink’s high-speed internet for the first time starting next year. The introduction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027 and be completed by early 2028.
The Lufthansa Group has announced that it will install the new technology in around 850 aircraft of its group airlines by 2029. At its subsidiary Eurowings, the introduction is scheduled to start at the end of 2027, beginning with the Airbus Neo fleet and also including the planned new additions of the Boeing 737 Max type.
Until then, Eurowings passengers will have to make do with conventional internet, with the option to choose from different data packages. Similarly, Condor offers a WLAN service called “Fly Connect” on its new Airbus Neo machines, but the introduction of Starlink does not appear to be a current topic.
Despite this, both Eurowings and Condor are well ahead of their domestic leisure flight competitors. Neither Sun Express nor Corendon Airlines or TUI Fly currently offer internet on board.