American Airlines to add Starlink Wi
The Points Guy • • business
Key Points:
- American Airlines announced plans to upgrade inflight Wi-Fi by installing Starlink satellite service on around 500 single-aisle Airbus planes starting early next year, enhancing internet speed and connectivity for passengers.
- This move follows American's recent decision to make inflight internet free for most passengers and loyalty members, positioning the airline as a leader in inflight connectivity.
- The Starlink upgrade will apply to American's Airbus fleet, including new A321XLR and A321neo planes, while Boeing 737 and 737 MAX aircraft will continue using the existing Viasat service.
- Other U.S. airlines like Southwest, Delta, United, Alaska, and Hawaiian are also upgrading to satellite-based Wi-Fi services, reflecting a broader industry trend toward faster, more reliable inflight internet.
- American has not announced plans to upgrade Wi-Fi on its large twin-aisle jets, which still rely on older, often costly and less reliable Panasonic systems.