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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Question: Which IAG airlines will get Starlink Wi-Fi? Question: How fast will the new in-flight Wi-Fi be? Question: Will passengers have to pay for the Starlink Wi-Fi? Question: When will the service be available?
IAG and Starlink: A New Era for In-Flight Connectivity
A Fleet-Wide Transformation
Redefining the Passenger Experience
The Strategic Imperative in a Competitive Sky
Conclusion: A New Baseline for Air Travel
FAQ
Answer: The new high-speed Wi-Fi will be rolled out across Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling.
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.
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.
Answer: The first aircraft equipped with Starlink are expected to go live with the service in early 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: IAG
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Renews $3.5B Credit Facility with Bank of China to 2031
BOC Aviation extends its $3.5 billion revolving credit facility with Bank of China to 2031, securing liquidity for aircraft investments and growth.
This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.
BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced the renewal of its US$3.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (RCF) with its majority shareholder, the Bank of China. Confirmed on February 16, 2026, the transaction extends the maturity of the facility to February 13, 2031, providing the Singapore-based lessor with a five-year horizon of secured liquidity.
The renewal maintains the facility’s total value at the same level established during its 2020 expansion. According to the company, this move is designed to bolster financial flexibility and ensure consistent access to capital for aircraft investments, regardless of broader market cycles. The agreement underscores the continued financial backing BOC Aviation receives from its parent company, a critical differentiator in the competitive aircraft leasing sector.
The renewed agreement is an unsecured revolving credit facility, a structure that allows BOC Aviation to draw down, repay, and re-borrow funds as needed up to the US$3.5 billion limit. By extending the maturity date to 2031, the lessor secures a long-term funding runway to support its growth strategy.
Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, emphasized the strategic importance of this renewal in a statement released by the company. He highlighted the alignment between the lessor and its parent organization.
“This RCF extension reflects the confidence that Bank of China has in the future of our business and underscores the depth of our relationship with our major shareholder. The facility strengthens our financial flexibility and ensures our access to ample liquidity to support our aircraft investments across the cycle.”
, Steven Townend, CEO of BOC Aviation
The credit facility has grown significantly alongside BOC Aviation’s fleet over the last two decades. The company provided a timeline of the facility’s evolution, illustrating the increasing scale of support from the Bank of China:
This liquidity event occurs against a backdrop of significant operational activity for the lessor. As of December 31, 2025, BOC Aviation reported a total portfolio of 815 aircraft and engines, including owned, managed, and ordered assets. The company’s reach extends to 87 airlines across 46 countries and regions.
Data released regarding the full year 2025 indicates robust activity, with the company taking delivery of 51 new aircraft and executing a record 333 transactions. These transactions included 160 aircraft purchase commitments, signaling an aggressive growth posture that necessitates substantial available capital. In addition to the RCF renewal, BOC Aviation has recently moved to diversify its funding sources. In early February 2026, the company successfully priced US$500 million in senior unsecured notes. The combination of these notes and the renewed RCF provides a multi-layered capital structure to fund future acquisitions.
The renewal of this facility highlights a structural advantage for BOC Aviation compared to independent lessors. In a high-interest-rate environment or during periods of market volatility, the cost of funds is a primary determinant of a lessor’s profitability. The direct backing of a major state-owned bank allows BOC Aviation to secure large-scale liquidity that might be more expensive or difficult to arrange for competitors without similar parentage.
Furthermore, with supply chain constraints continuing to affect Airbus and Boeing deliveries in 2026, lessors with ready cash are better positioned to execute sale-and-leaseback (SLB) transactions with airlines desperate for liquidity. By locking in US$3.5 billion in revolving credit through 2031, BOC Aviation is effectively positioning itself to act as a liquidity provider to the airline industry, potentially acquiring assets at attractive valuations while manufacturers struggle to meet delivery targets.
BOC Aviation Secures US$3.5 Billion Facility Renewal with Bank of China
Transaction Details and Management Commentary
Historical Evolution of the Facility
Operational Context and Financial Position
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: BOC Aviation
Commercial Aviation
American Airlines Named Official Airline of Women in Aviation 2026 Conference
American Airlines becomes the first Official Airline of the 2026 Women in Aviation International conference, funding scholarships and sponsoring key events.
This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.
As American Airlines prepares to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2026, the carrier has announced a historic partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI). According to an official announcement from the company, American Airlines has been named the first-ever “Official Airline” of the WAI annual conference.
The 37th Annual WAI Conference is scheduled to take place from March 19–21, 2026, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The location is strategically significant, situated near the airline’s global headquarters in Fort Worth. This collaboration marks a shift in the airline’s engagement with the nonprofit, moving from general support to a titular sponsorship role during its 100th year of operation.
The partnership is framed as a central component of American Airlines’ 100th-anniversary celebrations. While the airline reflects on a century of connecting locations, this initiative highlights a forward-looking focus on workforce development and inclusion. By securing the “Official Airline” title, American aims to leverage its “hometown advantage” in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to recruit and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
Cole Brown, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance in a statement released by the company:
“At American, we believe building a culture where women and girls are represented, empowered and able to thrive as leaders is vital to the future of our industry. As we celebrate our centennial year, we’re proud to partner with WAI… to honor our legacy of innovation and reinforce our commitment to developing the future of the aviation workforce.”
Beyond the titular sponsorship, the press release details specific financial commitments aimed at reducing barriers to entry for women in aviation. American Airlines confirmed it will fund a total of eight scholarships for conference attendees. These awards are designed to address specific technical shortages in the industry.
According to the partnership details, the scholarships include:
In addition to direct financial aid, the airline will sponsor key events during the conference:
While the partnership represents a significant public relations milestone, it also highlights the ongoing disparity in gender representation within the cockpit. Industry data indicates that the global average for female airline pilots remains between 4% and 6%. American Airlines currently reports that approximately 5% of its pilots are women.
Comparatively, United Airlines leads major U.S. carriers with approximately 7.4% female pilot representation, while Delta Air Lines sits at roughly 5.3% and Southwest Airlines at 4.1%. The scholarships funded by this partnership target the “pipeline gap.” While women make up less than 20% of the total aviation workforce, they currently represent approximately 15% of student pilots. Initiatives like the WAI conference are critical for converting these students into career professionals. Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International, noted the significance of the airline’s involvement:
“As the Official Airline of this year’s annual conference, American has an important role in welcoming our estimated 5,000 WAI2026 attendees to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.”
Historically, American Airlines has played a role in breaking gender barriers; in 1973, it became the first major U.S. commercial carrier to hire a female pilot, Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo. This new partnership appears designed to reinforce that legacy as the carrier enters its second century.
American Airlines Becomes First “Official Airline” of Women in Aviation International Conference
A Centennial Commitment to Diversity
Scholarships and Career Initiatives
Financial Support Breakdown
Event Sponsorships
AirPro News Analysis: The Industry Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: American Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Astana Orders 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Expand US Routes
Air Astana finalizes $7B order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to modernize its fleet and enable direct flights to North America starting 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Astana.
On February 17, 2026, Air Astana JSC, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, officially finalized a major agreement with Boeing for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The deal, announced in Seattle, marks the largest single aircraft purchase in the airline’s history and signals a pivotal shift in its long-haul strategy. Valued at approximately $7 billion at list prices, the agreement is designed to modernize the carrier’s widebody fleet and facilitate direct operations to North America.
The acquisition comes at a critical transition point for the Airlines, coinciding with a leadership change and following its recent IPO. According to the official announcement, the new fleet will replace aging Boeing 767s and provide the range necessary to navigate complex geopolitical airspace restrictions while connecting Central Asia to the United States.
The agreement creates a long-term pipeline for fleet renewal. According to details released regarding the Contracts, the order for 15 aircraft is structured in three tiers:
While the newly purchased jets are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, Air Astana will begin operating the Dreamliner much sooner. Through a separate agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), three leased Boeing 787-9s are expected to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2026. These leased units will allow the carrier to begin pilot training and route expansion immediately, bridging the gap until the direct orders arrive.
The selection of the 787-9 variant represents a significant upgrade in capacity and efficiency over Air Astana’s current widebody workhorse, the Boeing 767-300ER. Data provided in the announcement indicates the new Dreamliners will feature a two-class configuration with 303 seats, a substantial increase from the 223 seats offered on the 767s.
In a notable strategic pivot, Air Astana has selected General Electric GEnx-1B engines to power the new fleet, moving away from a 2012 intention to utilize Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The airline cites the 787-9’s superior fuel efficiency and range, approximately 7,530 nautical miles, as critical factors in the decision.
“Boeing airplanes have been integral to Air Astana’s operations from the beginning. We are proud that the 787 Dreamliner will support Central Asia’s growing importance in global aviation.”
, Paul Righi, VP of Commercial Sales (Eurasia), Boeing
A primary driver behind this investment is the airline’s ambition to launch non-stop service from Kazakhstan to New York (JFK). This route has long been a strategic goal but faces significant logistical hurdles due to the closure of Russian airspace following geopolitical sanctions. The current geopolitical climate necessitates a southern route over the Caspian Sea, Turkey, and Europe, adding considerable distance to the flight path. The extended range of the Boeing 787-9 is essential to making this detour commercially and operationally viable, allowing Air Astana to bypass Russian airspace without sacrificing payload or requiring technical stops.
The timing of this order suggests Air Astana is aggressively positioning itself as the dominant connector in the Central Asian market, outpacing regional competitors like Uzbekistan Airways. By securing the 787-9, the airline is not only solving the immediate problem of airspace restrictions but is also future-proofing its fleet against fuel price volatility. The shift to GE engines likely reflects a desire for reliability on these ultra-long-haul routes, where engine performance over remote regions is paramount.
The finalization of this order serves as a capstone achievement for outgoing CEO Peter Foster, who is set to retire in March 2026. Foster has led the airline through its recent IPO and this historic fleet renewal. He will be succeeded by current CFO Ibrahim Canliel, who will oversee the financial integration of these assets.
“The 787-9’s advanced technology and efficiency will allow us to connect Kazakhstan to new markets, including North America, with a superior passenger experience.”
, Peter Foster, Outgoing CEO, Air Astana
Sources: Boeing Mediaroom
Air Astana Finalizes Historic Orders for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Target US Routes
Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline
Technical Specifications and Fleet Modernization
Strategic Expansion: The “Holy Grail” of New York
AirPro News Analysis
Leadership Transition
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
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