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The Verge6 days ago
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American Airlines is getting Starlink Wi-Fi

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American Airlines will install Starlink Wi-Fi on over 500 aircraft starting in early 2027, joining other major carriers adopting SpaceX's satellite internet.

American Airlines is getting Starlink Wi-Fi
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The Big Picture

American Airlines announced plans to equip hundreds of its airplanes with SpaceX's Starlink Wi-Fi, with deployment beginning in the first quarter of 2027. The rollout will cover more than 500 aircraft, including new A321XLR and A321neo planes from Airbus. Starlink will join existing providers Viastat and SES as part of American's in-flight connectivity options. This move follows a trend among major airlines like United, Southwest, and British Airways in adopting Starlink for faster, low-latency internet. The decision reflects the growing demand for reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in aviation and SpaceX's expanding role in the sector.

Why It Matters

American Airlines' adoption of Starlink Wi-Fi signals a major shift in in-flight connectivity, moving from traditional satellite providers to SpaceX's low-Earth orbit network. This could dramatically improve internet speed and reliability for passengers, setting a new standard across the airline industry and potentially forcing competitors to upgrade their offerings.

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American Airlines
American Airlines
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: American Airlines plane are takeoff and lands at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, California, United States on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images

American Airlines is planning to install SpaceX's Starlink Wi-Fi in hundreds of its airplanes, the airline announced today.

American says the deployment will start in the first quarter of 2027, and will span more than 500 aircraft, including its new A321XLR and A321neo planes from Airbus. Starlink will join Viastat and SES (previously known as Intelstat) as among the airline's Wi-Fi providers.

American is the latest air carrier to turn to Elon Musk's Starlink for its Wi-Fi needs. Others include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Meanwhile, Delta Ai …

Read the full story at The Verge.

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