American Airlines will install Starlink satellite internet on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft, joining a two-dozen-strong airline industry race to adopt SpaceX's technology.
Back
American Airlines to equip 500 jets with Starlink by 2027
American Airlines will install Starlink satellite internet on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft, joining a two-dozen-strong airline industry race to adopt SpaceX's technology.
American Airlines said it will install Starlink satellite internet on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft starting in the first quarter of 2027, joining more than 20 global carriers that have chosen SpaceX's low-earth-orbit technology over alternatives from Amazon and traditional inflight providers.
"Starlink is widely regarded as the world's most advanced satellite constellation," Heather Garboden, American's chief customer officer, said in a statement. "The addition of Starlink solidifies American as a leading airline in keeping passengers connected in flight."
The carrier will equip its fleet of more than 500 Airbus aircraft, including new A321XLR and A321neo deliveries, with Starlink's Aero Terminal capable of delivering up to 1 Gbps per antenna. American currently offers free Wi-Fi on 1,400 mainline and regional aircraft through a partnership with AT&T announced in April 2025. United Airlines already has 50 mainline aircraft equipped with Starlink, while Delta chose Amazon's competing service, which will not be available until 2028.
The deal strengthens Starlink's position as the dominant inflight connectivity provider. The satellite unit was the only profitable business at SpaceX in 2025, according to Reuters, and has signed agreements with more than two dozen airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. For American, which operated 1,022 mainline aircraft including 885 narrow-body jets as of March, the upgrade comes as inflight internet access becomes a key factor in airline customer satisfaction, which rose 3 percent in the latest ACSI survey.
Starlink's rapid adoption across the airline industry pressures remaining carriers to choose between SpaceX's technology and Amazon's Project Kuiper, which remains years from commercial deployment. American's decision also raises questions about the future of its AT&T partnership, which currently provides free Wi-Fi on more aircraft than any other US carrier. The carrier said it will begin installations in early 2027, with the full narrowbody fleet expected to be equipped over time.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
[1] American Airlines to Offer Starlink Internet on Flights[2] American Airlines Jumps Into Race To Offer Starlink Inflight Wi-Fi[3] American Airlines to Equip 500 Jets With SpaceX Starlink Wi-Fi Starting 2027[4] American Airlines to equip over 500 narrow-body jets with Starlink Wi-Fi from 2027[5] A battery-powered Starlink Mini is likely on the way
