Commercial Aviation
IAG partners with Starlink for high-speed in-flight Wi Fi on 500 aircraft
IAG teams up with Starlink to provide free high-speed Wi Fi on over 500 aircraft across European airlines starting in 2026.
IAG and Starlink: A New Era for In-Flight Connectivity
The landscape of in-flight passenger experience is set for a monumental shift. International Airlines Group (IAG) has officially announced a strategic partnership with Starlink, the satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. This collaboration aims to equip over 500 aircraft across IAG’s airline portfolio with high-speed, low-latency internet, effectively ending the era of sluggish and unreliable in-flight Wi-Fi. The move signals a clear intention to redefine what passengers can expect from connectivity at 30,000 feet.
For years, in-flight internet has been a point of frustration for travelers, characterized by slow speeds and inconsistent service. This was largely due to the limitations of existing technology, which relied on either air-to-ground towers with limited coverage over water or distant geostationary satellites with high latency. The introduction of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations like Starlink represents a technological leap, promising an experience comparable to ground-based broadband. This partnership places IAG at the forefront of this transition, aiming to provide a seamless digital experience from gate to gate.
The initiative is a core component of IAG’s broader transformation program, which emphasizes innovation and technological advancement. By integrating Starlink’s capabilities, the group is not just upgrading a passenger amenity; it is investing in a foundational technology that will enhance the entire travel journey. This move is poised to set a new competitive benchmark for European airlines, making high-speed connectivity a standard expectation rather than a premium luxury.
A Fleet-Wide Transformation
The scale of this rollout is substantial. The partnership will see Starlink technology installed on more than 500 aircraft across all of IAG’s primary airlines: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling. This comprehensive implementation covers aircraft used for short-haul European routes as well as the group’s extensive long-haul transatlantic and global network. Based on IAG’s fleet size of 601 aircraft as of the end of 2024, this means nearly every aircraft not scheduled for near-term retirement will receive the upgrade.
With the first installations scheduled to go live in early 2026, IAG is on track to operate more aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi than any other European airline group. This strategic move will inevitably displace existing connectivity providers across the fleet, marking a significant disruption in the in-flight Wi-Fi market. The implementation plans will be tailored to each airline, with specific timelines to be communicated as the rollout is finalized.
The promised performance metrics are impressive. Starlink is capable of delivering download speeds of up to 150-450 Mbps and upload speeds of 20-70 Mbps. To put that into perspective, a download speed of 150 Mbps would allow a passenger to download a 4-5 GB high-definition movie in approximately five minutes. According to UK regulator Ofcom, the average maximum home download speed in the UK was 223 Mbps in 2024, meaning the in-flight experience will be as good as, or even better than, what many users have at home.
Redefining the Passenger Experience
This technological upgrade will fundamentally change how passengers spend their time in the air. With latency as low as 20 milliseconds, activities that were previously impossible on a plane, such as smooth video calls, competitive online gaming, and high-quality streaming, will become commonplace. The service will be active from the moment a passenger boards to the moment they deplane, providing uninterrupted “gate-to-gate” connectivity.
Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of this announcement is the pricing model. British Airways and Iberia have already confirmed that the service will be offered free of charge to all passengers, regardless of their travel cabin. This decision aligns with a growing industry trend, partly driven by Starlink’s commercial model, which encourages airlines to provide complimentary access. Offering free, high-quality Wi-Fi removes a major friction point for customers and transforms connectivity into a core part of the service offering.
“Staying connected in the skies is increasingly important to our airlines’ customers. The introduction of high-speed wi-fi from Starlink will transform onboard connectivity, improving both the connection speed and reliability for customers.” – Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG
While the ambition is clear, the rollout is not without its complexities. The speed of implementation will depend on the certification status for different aircraft types. While models like the Airbus A320, A330, A350, and Boeing 737 and 777 are already supported, the Boeing 787, a key part of British Airways’ long-haul fleet, is still undergoing the certification process. However, the potential for rapid installation has been demonstrated by other carriers like Qatar Airways, which managed to reduce its installation time to just 10 hours per aircraft.
The Strategic Imperative in a Competitive Sky
IAG’s partnership with Starlink is not happening in a vacuum. It is a calculated response to a rapidly evolving industry where customer experience is a key battleground. Other major airlines, including Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France, are also in the process of adopting Starlink, signaling a clear industry-wide pivot towards LEO satellite technology. IAG’s move, distinguished by its scale, is designed to secure a competitive advantage and position its airlines as leaders in passenger-centric innovation.
This initiative is a flagship project within IAG’s wider focus on transformation. The group has been actively leveraging technology to enhance operations, from using AI to optimize engine maintenance to launching the IAGi venturing fund to invest in promising startups. The Starlink deal is a testament to this forward-looking strategy, demonstrating how the group can leverage its collective scale to secure major deals that benefit all its operating airlines and, ultimately, its customers.
Conclusion: A New Baseline for Air Travel
The collaboration between IAG and Starlink marks a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. It accelerates the transition of in-flight Wi-Fi from a notoriously poor, paid-for service to a complimentary, high-performance utility that mirrors the on-ground experience. For passengers, this means the cabin is no longer a disconnected space but a seamless extension of their digital lives, whether for work, entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones.
As the rollout begins in 2026, the pressure will mount on competing airlines to match this new standard. High-speed, reliable, and free connectivity is set to become a fundamental expectation for travelers, reshaping airline loyalty and the definition of a premium passenger experience. IAG’s bold investment is not just about faster internet; it’s about future-proofing its airlines for a world where being connected is non-negotiable.
FAQ
Question: Which IAG airlines will get Starlink Wi-Fi?
Answer: The new high-speed Wi-Fi will be rolled out across Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling.
Question: How fast will the new in-flight Wi-Fi be?
Answer: Starlink offers download speeds of up to 150-450 Mbps and upload speeds of 20-70 Mbps, which is comparable to or better than many home broadband services.
Question: Will passengers have to pay for the Starlink Wi-Fi?
Answer: British Airways and Iberia have confirmed the service will be complimentary for all passengers in all cabins. Details for other IAG airlines will be communicated as the rollout plan is finalized.
Question: When will the service be available?
Answer: The first aircraft equipped with Starlink are expected to go live with the service in early 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: IAG
Commercial Aviation
Abra Group Orders 100 CFM LEAP-1A Engines for Avianca
Abra Group finalizes 100 LEAP-1A engines for 50 A320neo aircraft at Farnborough 2026, with a long-term services deal covering Avianca and GOL.
Abra Group has finalized an agreement with CFM International for 100 LEAP-1A engines to power 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft for its Avianca subsidiary, cementing the holding company’s status as the largest operator of CFM engines in Latin America.
Announced on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, the deal includes spare engines and a comprehensive long-term services package. According to a press release from GE Aerospace, the maintenance agreement covers both Avianca’s Airbus A320neo family fleet and the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Brazilian sister airline GOL. CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Fleet expansion and engine allocation
The newly ordered LEAP-1A engines will be installed on 50 previously unallocated Airbus A320neo family aircraft within Avianca’s existing order book. Following this allocation, Avianca retains a backlog of 134 Airbus A320neo family jets awaiting engine selection.
Once all in-service and backlog aircraft are delivered, Abra Group’s combined brands will operate a fleet of more than 650 LEAP-powered aircraft. The group also currently operates 176 older-generation aircraft powered by CFM56 engines across the Avianca and GOL networks.
Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of Abra Group, stated that the agreements drive reliability, fuel efficiency, and cost predictability across the Airlines. He noted the engine selection supports a broader strategy to build a competitive aviation platform across the Latin American market.
Maintenance strategy and regional growth
The inclusion of a long-term services agreement ensures maintenance support for the narrowbody fleets of both Avianca and GOL, providing the holding company with unified engine support across two different aircraft types.
“These agreements demonstrate the value operators place in CFM’s products and services,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “From new LEAP powered aircraft entering service to comprehensive support for fleets already in operation, we remain committed to helping our customers achieve high asset utilization, reliability, and operational efficiency.”
The engine manufacturer noted that it has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines to the global commercial aviation industry to date.
Regional connectivity strategy
The CFM International engine order aligns with a broader fleet and network expansion strategy executed by Abra Group during the Farnborough Airshow. On July 21, 2026, the holding company also announced an agreement to purchase up to 45 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, including 20 firm Orders, to increase operational flexibility.
This fleet expansion follows a July 14, 2026, strategic partnership established between Abra Group and Etihad Airways aimed at strengthening connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East, and other global markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view Abra Group’s decision to secure a unified long-term services package for both Avianca’s Airbus A320neo family and GOL’s Boeing 737 MAX fleets as a clear demonstration of the holding company’s structural synergies. By leveraging the combined scale of its two primary carriers, Abra Group is extracting maximum value from CFM International across competing airframes. The dual announcement of the LEAP-1A order and the Embraer E195-E2 acquisition indicates a strategic layering of the fleet, utilizing the E2 for thinner regional routes while relying on the A320neo and 737 MAX families for high-density trunk operations.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit:
Commercial Aviation
Shohin Airlines Orders Four Airbus A320neo Family Jets
Tajikistan startup Shohin Airlines orders two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, announced at Farnborough 2026.
Tajikistan-based startup Shohin Airlines has placed a firm order for four Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, establishing the carrier’s initial fleet as it prepares to launch commercial passenger services.
Announced on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement includes two Airbus A320neo and two Airbus A321neo jets. According to an Airbus press release, the transaction was previously recorded in the manufacturer’s June 2026 order book under an undisclosed customer.
Fleet strategy and configuration
The incoming aircraft will feature a dual-class cabin layout across both variants. The Airbus A320neo jets will be configured with 176 seats, while the larger Airbus A321neo aircraft will accommodate 196 passengers.
Shohin Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmadzoda stated that the new aircraft will form the foundation of the company’s operations and support the expansion of Tajikistan’s international air connectivity.
“The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan,” Ahmadzoda said. “The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, confirmed the manufacturer’s readiness to support the startup’s vision to connect Tajikistan to global markets.
Market context and launch preparations
Registered as a private airline in Dushanbe in June 2025, Shohin Airlines has not yet announced a specific launch date or an initial route network. The carrier enters a growing Central Asian aviation market. According to reporting by Aviation Week, departing seat capacity from Tajikistan reached 1.36 million for the summer 2026 season, representing a 5.6 percent increase year-over-year.
Dushanbe accounts for 67 percent of the country’s departing seat capacity. The market is currently highly concentrated, with Russian carrier Ural Airlines holding a 46.8 percent market share of departing seats, followed by Tajikistan-based Somon Air at 28.2 percent.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Shohin Airlines order as a strategic move to capture a share of a growing but highly concentrated market. By selecting the Airbus A320neo Family, the startup is positioning itself to compete directly with established players like Ural Airlines and Somon Air on both regional and international routes. The dual-class configuration suggests a focus on capturing premium traffic alongside standard economy passengers, which will be critical for differentiating the new carrier in a market currently dominated by legacy operators.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG and WestJet Finalize 13 Boeing 737-10 Lease Agreements
ACG and WestJet signed long-term leases for 13 Boeing 737-10 jets, pending FAA and Transport Canada certification.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and WestJet finalized long-term lease agreements on July 14, 2026, for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, positioning the Canadian carrier to potentially receive the first delivery of the variant from the lessor’s orderbook.
The transaction, announced in a press release by ACG, expands an existing relationship between the two companies following the delivery of two Boeing 737-8 aircraft in February 2026. The agreement supports WestJet’s fleet renewal strategy while highlighting ACG’s growing backlog of Boeing’s largest narrowbody variant.
Fleet expansion and the Boeing 737-10
The Boeing 737-10 represents 30 percent of the total 737 MAX order backlog, with more than 1,400 orders globally. According to ACG, the aircraft offers a 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat and a 20 percent increase in revenue potential compared to older generation aircraft.
ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated that the two companies share a strong commitment to the type, with over 140 aircraft on order between them.
“This makes ACG the leading lessor customer for the type and WestJet one of the largest airline customers,” Baker said.
WestJet Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Mike Scott noted that shifting deliveries to the 737-10 provides the airline with added flexibility to scale operations and meet passenger demand.
Certification timeline and labor context
The Boeing 737-10 has not yet received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Transport Canada (TC). ACG confirmed that deliveries to WestJet will commence only after the aircraft achieves regulatory approval.
The lessor has aggressively expanded its 737 MAX portfolio. In January 2026, ACG finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 25 737-10s. This acquisition gave ACG the largest 737-10 orderbook of any aircraft lessor.
Labor unrest at WestJet
The fleet announcement arrives amid significant labor friction at the Canadian airline. On July 15, 2026, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 8125, which represents 4,400 WestJet flight attendants, announced that 99.4 percent of voting members authorized strike action. A legal strike could commence as early as August 2, 2026, potentially disrupting the carrier’s operations as it plans for future capacity growth.
AirPro News analysis
We view this lease agreement as a strategic hedge for both parties. For WestJet, securing 737-10s through a lessor provides delivery flexibility while the airline navigates immediate labor challenges and awaits the variant’s final certification. For ACG, placing 13 uncertified airframes with an established North American operator validates its heavy investment in the 737-10 program. The success of this timeline remains entirely dependent on the FAA and Transport Canada certification schedules.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
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