EasyJet has announced a partnership with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, to introduce high-speed Wi-Fi on its flights starting early next year. The service will be available on the airline’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, with a full rollout expected by early 2028.
Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s chief executive, emphasized the growing importance of connectivity for passengers, highlighting that the new service is aimed at catering to both leisure travelers seeking entertainment options and business customers needing to stay connected. He described the partnership as a part of easyJet’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the customer experience.
Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, described the integration of Starlink on easyJet flights as a transformation in passenger connectivity. She noted that the fast and reliable internet would allow customers to work, stream media, or maintain communication uninterrupted from takeoff to landing.
This development follows a similar move by Virgin Atlantic, which has already equipped about one-third of its fleet with Starlink’s Wi-Fi technology and plans to continue the rollout. Additionally, International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, entered into a comparable agreement with Starlink last year.
The introduction of satellite-based in-flight internet service by easyJet comes amid a broader context of evolving satellite internet use. Starlink has played a critical role in Ukraine by providing connectivity crucial for military communication and defense, especially in intercepting Russian drones and missiles following Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, Elon Musk recently restricted Ukraine’s access to the service after accusing the Ukrainian military of violating Starlink’s terms of service by using the internet for offensive drone strikes. He reaffirmed that Starlink is a civilian commercial service and that its continued operation is essential for Ukraine’s defense, though usage for attacks was prohibited and the "loophole" closed.
The announcement comes shortly after the UK government launched a campaign targeting antisocial behavior on public transportation, focusing on passengers playing audio without headphones. While easyJet has not specified whether passengers will be allowed to use audio without headphones, the new Wi-Fi capability raises potential concerns over in-flight noise levels.
No details have been disclosed yet regarding potential costs for passengers accessing the onboard internet service. The timing of the rollout illustrates increasing demand from airlines to provide consistent connectivity to passengers during flights, reflecting broader trends in air travel and digital consumption.