American Airlines announced on Thursday plans to equip its entire primary fleet of over 1,000 aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service within the next year. This expansion builds on an existing initiative that currently covers roughly half of the airline's mainline fleet.
Initially, the airline revealed in May its intention to install Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft starting in 2024. The recent update includes an additional 530 Boeing planes, significantly broadening the scope of the installation program to encompass both Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
The Starlink-enabled fleet will utilize SpaceX's Performance Aero Terminal, an onboard satellite internet antenna system designed to provide high-speed connectivity. According to American Airlines, the system can deliver internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers.
American Airlines operates a mainline fleet consisting of more than 1,030 aircraft, with the majority—over 900—being single-aisle planes, while the remaining are wide-body aircraft. The company has not disclosed the financial details of the agreement with SpaceX.
The move reflects a broader industry trend toward upgrading in-flight connectivity, aiming to meet growing passenger demand for reliable and fast internet access during flights. The integration of Starlink’s satellite internet could set a new standard for airline internet service quality.
