The Starlink Effect: Free In-flight Wi-Fi for All?

DALLAS — Several airlines plan to introduce free Wi-Fi for passengers in 2025, marking a significant shift in in-flight connectivity. 

These initiatives indicate a broader industry movement towards enhanced in-flight connectivity, with airlines recognizing the growing demand for reliable internet access during flights.

Recent developments in free in-flight connectivity:

• Air Canada (AC) is set to launch free high-speed Wi-Fi for its Aeroplan members starting in May 2025. This service will initially be available on North American flights and select Caribbean routes, with plans to expand to long-haul international routes by 2026. Approximately 85% of AC's fleet will be equipped with this service from the outset.
• United Airlines (UA) also announced that it would provide free Wi-Fi across its fleet of over 1,000 aircraft. This service will utilize SpaceX's Starlink technology, promising high-speed connectivity for all passengers starting in early 2025. United's initiative allows multiple devices to connect under one account, enhancing the passenger experience.
• Air France (AF) is joining the trend by launching free Wi-Fi for its Flying Blue members in 2025, available across all cabin classes.
• Delta Air Lines (DL) is expanding its free Wi-Fi to international routes with a phased rollout plan: December 2024/January 2025: Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal; Mid to late 2025: Transpacific region (Asia, Australia, New Zealand) and South Africa. DL's regional routes, including Boeing 717 aircraft, are expected to offer free Wi-Fi in 2025.

Delta’s Chief Executive Ed Bastian stated in a 2022 interview that the airline had held talks with SpaceX's internet unit, Starlink, conducting exploratory tests of the technology. However, DL is is partnering with T-Mobile to expand its global WiFi offering. 

So, who is implementing Elon Musk’s WiFi alternative?

Starlink for Aviation

There are several airlines across the globe that offer or plan to provide free Wi-Fi using Starlink technology.

1. Hawaiian Airlines (HA) offers free Starlink access onboard all Airbus-operated flights between the islands and the continental U.S., Asia, and Oceania.
2. JSX (XE), a regional jet firm, has provided Starlink Wi-Fi since striking a deal with SpaceX in 2022.
3. WestJet (WS) plans to implement Starlink on select flights starting in December 2024.
4. Qatar Airways (QR) will introduce complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on three of its Boeing 777-300 jets in 2024.
5. Air New Zealand (NZ) is targeting the rollout of Starlink for its domestic fleet by 2025.

These carriers are adopting Starlink to provide passengers faster, more reliable, in-flight internet connectivity than those offered by the competition, with some like HA offering the service for free on certain flights.

Another advantage for airlines is that it takes approximately two days to install Starlink hardware on each aircraft, according to UA's Chief Customer Officer, Linda Jojo, who says this is "a much more rapid roll-out than other innovations."

While only some airlines will offer free Wi-Fi universally, the trend suggests that many carriers are moving towards more inclusive connectivity options for their passengers.

Free Wi-Fi for all? We’ll most likely see airlines bundling free Wi-Fi with their loyalty programs, requiring all passengers wanting connectivity at no cost to log in or register as a members; not a bad trade-off if joining a frequent flyer program is free—some charge an annual fee to maintain membership.