IAG partners with Starlink for high-speed in-flight Wi Fi on 500 aircraft

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

• IAG Press Release