Good news for European digital nomads and business travelers, the airlines are starting to test Startlink internet on board!
Latvian carrier airBaltic is set to introduce high-speed internet powered by Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service, to its fleet in the first quarter of 2025. This move will make airBaltic the first airline in Europe to offer innovative technology, promising a seamless in-flight connectivity experience for its passengers.
The announcement underscores airBaltic’s commitment to staying ahead in digital innovation and customer service. “With Starlink, we will offer the fastest and most reliable in-flight internet in Europe, free of charge, for all passengers,” said Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic. “It will allow travelers to enjoy streaming, gaming, and other high-data-demand applications while in the air, at speeds comparable to what they experience at home or in the office.”
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, utilizes a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet with low latency. The service is particularly suited for in-flight connectivity, enabling real-time streaming and communication with minimal interruptions. Gauss added, “This is a game-changer in how we view air travel connectivity, and we are proud to lead the way in Europe.”
The rollout of Starlink will initially cover airBaltic’s fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The airline, which operates over 100 routes across Europe, the Middle East, and the CIS, sees this as a pivotal step in enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
Air France has also announced plans to begin deploying Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet starting in the summer 2025 season, exclusively available to members of its Flying Blue loyalty program.
Starlink’s Growing Adoption Among U.S. Airlines
While airBaltic will be the first European airline to implement Starlink, several U.S.-based carriers have already adopted the technology. Hawaiian Airlines and JSX were among the earliest to announce their plans to offer Starlink-powered internet, with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines also reportedly testing or considering its implementation. These developments highlight a growing trend in the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of providing robust and uninterrupted internet services to meet modern travelers’ expectations.
The adoption of Starlink by airBaltic and other airlines reflects a broader shift toward redefining in-flight connectivity standards, with passengers increasingly viewing high-speed internet as an essential service rather than a luxury.