American Airlines to Equip Over 500 Airbus Jets with Starlink Internet
American Airlines will begin installing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet on more than 500 of its narrow-body Airbus aircraft, starting in early 2025.
Aircraft and Provider Details
The agreement covers popular models including the A321neo, A321XLR, and A320neo. Notably, the installation program does not extend to American Airlines' Boeing fleet.
A spokesperson for the carrier confirmed that the airline currently has no immediate plans to change internet providers for its Boeing aircraft. That fleet continues to use a mix of systems from Viasat and Panasonic.
Industry Context
This decision follows a period of evaluation by American Airlines, which included considering Amazon's Project Kuiper as a potential provider.
The airline introduced free in-flight Wi-Fi for members of its frequent flyer program in January 2024, aligning with similar complimentary services offered by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Other major carriers have also made strategic decisions regarding satellite internet:
- Delta Air Lines announced in March that it will use Amazon's Project Kuiper for in-flight Wi-Fi on hundreds of jets, with deployment starting in 2028.
- United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines (which merged with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024) have all selected Starlink.
According to SpaceX's IPO registration filing, additional airlines that have equipped some aircraft with Starlink include Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Group, and British Airways.
SpaceX IPO
SpaceX’s connectivity unit, which includes Starlink, generated $11.39 billion in revenue last year—representing 61% of the company’s total sales.
The company is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) scheduled for next month.