American Airlines’ inflight experience modernisation will include bringing Starlink-powered connectivity to all mainline aircraft. Installations will begin in early 2027.
The airline plans to equip more than 1,000 aircraft with Starlink. That means American aims to operate one of the world’s largest Starlink-connected fleets equipped with Starlink’s Performance Aero Terminal, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps per terminal.
The expanded connectivity programme will extend Starlink across American’s entire mainline fleet of more than 1,000 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft, bringing a consistent, high-performance connectivity experience to customers across its global network.
Starlink will bring fast, reliable Wi-Fi to passengers throughout their journey, making it easier to stay connected from gate to gate.
More than 165 million passengers fly on a mainline American aircraft each year across four fleet families. That number is expected to grow as the airline takes delivery of more than 300 new mainline aircraft in the coming years.
Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines, said: “Our customers have told us that dependable connectivity can make a meaningful difference in how they spend their time in the air.
“Whether they are livestreaming a favourite show, gaming, collaborating in real time on an important work deal, scrolling social media or online shopping, Starlink will give our customers countless options to make the most of their time while travelling. Just as importantly, it provides the foundation for future innovations that will further enhance the customer experience.”
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring Starlink across American’s mainline fleet. Customers will have fast, reliable internet from gate to gate, whether they are streaming, working, or staying connected to family and friends throughout their travel.”
