American Airlines is getting Starlink Wi-Fi

American Airlines will install SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi on more than 500 aircraft beginning in Q1 2027, including Airbus A321XLR and A321neo planes. Starlink will join existing connectivity providers Viastat and SES as the airline expands in-flight internet options.

The deal underscores how satellite broadband is becoming a competitive differentiator for airlines as passengers expect faster, more reliable connectivity. Starlink’s growing roster of airline customers suggests low-Earth orbit networks are gaining traction over legacy in-flight Wi-Fi systems.

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.