American Airlines to integrate in-flight Starlink satellite broadband from 2027

Elon Musk’s space-launch and exploration company SpaceX has bagged another big customer for its Starlink satellite broadband.

On Monday, American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) announced that it’s going to start offering in-flight Starlink-backed high-speed Wi-Fi, starting from next year (2027).

Regarding the timeline, the official press release (PDF below) stated that American Airlines will begin the Starlink in-flight broadband rollout in Q1 2027. In a gradual rollout, American Airlines plans to install Starlink receivers on more than 500 aircraft.

The addition of American Airlines to its customer list is solid proof that SpaceX’s Starlink is the future of in-flight high-speed internet. With a large constellation already deployed in space, Starlink is fully capable of handling high internet processing loads from large airplane fleets.

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American Airlines announces the adoption of in-flight Starlink satellite broadband internet, starting from 2027. Credit: American Airlines via X.

The official announcement stated:

American Airlines to install Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky

2026-05-26

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines today announced a sweeping modernization of its narrowbody infight customer experience with the installation of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft beginning in Q1 2027.

Starlink is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting inight streaming, online gaming, collaborative meeting tools and more. With thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink can deliver multigigabit connectivity to aircraft using its Aero Terminal, which can support up to 1 Gbps per antenna.

“As a premium global airline, we are continuously seeking out world-class partners like Starlink to deliver what our customers need and want,” said American Airlines Chief Customer Ocer Heather Garboden. “The addition ofStarlink solidies American as a leading airline in keeping passengers connected in ight.” As part of American’s commitment to an elevated onboard experience, Starlink will enable seamless streaming, browsing and real-time communication capabilities across American’s domestic and short-haul international routes.

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Airlines Using Starlink

Currently, Qatar Airways is the largest airline to have integrated Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi in its planes. Qatar Airways started installing Starlink terminals on its planes in 2023.

Earlier this year, Europe’s largest airline, Ryanair, rejected Musk’s proposal to install Starlink terminals on its planes. The CEO of Ryanair contested that the Starlink airplane receiver terminals result in extra aerodynamic drag, and in turn, it would cost the airline around $250 million a year in extra fuel costs.

However, several airlines are currently using Starlink and haven’t complained about the increase in aerodynamics-related costs. The following picture shows the design of a jet’s roof after installing the aerodynamic Starlink receiver (terminal). SpaceX has named it the Aero Terminal.