From PCMAG · Rob Pegoraro · · 2m
American Airlines Expands Starlink to All Mainline Aircraft
American Airlines to install SpaceX's Starlink on all mainline jets by early 2027.
In brief
American Airlines to install SpaceX's Starlink on all mainline jets by early 2027. American Airlines will add Starlink Wi-Fi to all narrowbody and widebody aircraft starting early 2027, but passengers on Boeing planes may still need to pay for internet. Originally reported by PCMAG.
American Airlines Announces Starlink Expansion
American Airlines announced it will put Starlink on all narrowbody and widebody planes starting early 2027.
First Installations in Early 2027
The first installations of Starlink will happen in early 2027, but the airline hasn't specified when the project will be completed.
Starlink Coverage for Airbus Fleet
American Airlines will add Starlink to over 47% of its current mainline fleet, including new Airbus A321XLR and A321neo deliveries.
Boeing Fleet Mixed with Existing Systems
American Airlines' Boeing jets will have a mix of Intelsat, Viasat, and Panasonic systems for Wi-Fi, with some requiring payment.
Starlink vs. Traditional Satellite Wi-Fi
Starlink provides faster speeds and lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite Wi-Fi systems.
Starlink Performance Metrics
Ookla tests show Starlink delivers median downloads of 223.14Mbps and uploads of 32.31Mbps on American Airlines flights.
Regional Jet Coverage
American Airlines has 572 regional jets, with most using Intelsat systems that connect to geostationary and lower orbit satellites.
Starlink Login Process
American Airlines will use Starlink's login process tied to its AAdvantage frequent-flyer program for seamless access.
Elon Musk's Starlink Critique
Elon Musk criticized Delta Airlines for signing up with Amazon's Leo satellite broadband service instead of Starlink.
Starlink Rollout Timeline
American Airlines plans to complete Starlink rollout on Airbus aircraft by early 2027, but hasn't specified when Boeing planes will switch.
Starlink on Boeing Widebodies
American Airlines' Boeing widebodies will use Panasonic systems for Wi-Fi, requiring passengers to pay for internet access.
Starlink Adoption by Airlines
Starlink is being adopted by airlines including Air France, Alaska Airlines, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
What matters most
American Airlines will add Starlink Wi-Fi to all narrowbody and widebody aircraft starting early 2027, but passengers on Boeing planes may still need to pay for internet.
