IAG partners with Starlink for inflight Wi-Fi
International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to introduce Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based inflight connectivity across its airline brands — Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling — beginning next year.
This agreement represents a major shift for IAG, as it replaces several existing inflight connectivity suppliers across its airlines. The Starlink technology will deliver high-speed internet across both short-haul European and long-haul transatlantic routes, offering passengers an improved digital experience during flights.
“The new high speed Wi-Fi partnership with Starlink will be implemented on more than 500 aircraft across IAG’s airlines covering short-haul journeys in Europe as well as all the Group’s long-haul transatlantic and global routes,” IAG said in a statement.
According to the company, this rollout will make IAG’s fleet the largest in Europe equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. All aircraft not scheduled for retirement in the near future will be upgraded with the Starlink phased array system. The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
British Airways stated that the gate-to-gate Wi-Fi service will be provided to “all customers” free of charge once installations are completed across its mainline and Euroflyer fleets.
Author’s Summary
IAG will equip over 500 aircraft with SpaceX Starlink connectivity, offering free, high-speed inflight Wi-Fi to passengers across its airline network starting next year.