The Starlink satellite service is evolving into one of the key factors transforming the in-flight experience, providing a solution to the slow and often unreliable WiFi that is one of the most enduring problems in aviation.
Air connectivity is now a fast-growing area for Starlink. However, it is also the fastest-growing segment of its mobility business, with more and more airlines adopting the technology.
The service is based on satellites, which allow for significantly higher speeds and lower latency compared to traditional systems using different technology. This translates into an internet experience that is closer to that of a terrestrial connection, allowing for streaming, video calls and other demanding uses in flight.
More than 1,400 commercial aircraft and hundreds of private jets had already been equipped with the system by 2025, serving tens of millions of passengers. Meanwhile, companies such as United Airlines plan to install the service on more than 1,000 aircraft in the coming years.
This development is putting significant pressure on traditional in-flight providers such as ViaSat and Gogo, who are being forced to invest in new technologies to remain competitive. At the same time, new players such as Amazon are entering the market, intensifying competition in the satellite connectivity sector.
Despite rapid growth, Starlink penetration remains limited globally, covering a small percentage of the total aircraft fleet. In addition, installation and operating costs are still a factor delaying adoption by some airlines, especially low-cost carriers. However, as the technology expands, access to fast and reliable in-flight internet is expected to evolve from a luxury to a new standard for air travel.
This article first appeared, in Greek, in the most recent edition of Hermes Airports' online newsletter, Flight Mode. Click here to view it.
