Alaska Airlines Joins United, WestJet, Air France, SAS in Partnering with Starlink to Power In-flight Wi-Fi for Passengers, Latest Update is Here

Published on August 20, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Alaska Airlines joins United, Hawaiian, WestJet, Air France, and SAS in a powerful move to transform passenger experience with Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi. The latest update confirms that Alaska Airlines, alongside United, Hawaiian, WestJet, Air France, and SAS, has chosen SpaceX’s Starlink to power seamless internet in the skies. This development marks a major milestone in aviation technology. Passengers can now expect faster streaming, smoother video calls, gaming access, and real-time work capabilities even while cruising at altitude.

For Alaska Airlines, the decision to join United, Hawaiian, WestJet, Air France, and SAS in adopting Starlink shows a clear strategy. The airline wants to lead in digital connectivity, linking the passenger journey with loyalty benefits and better on-board services. United is already installing Starlink on its regional jets, while Hawaiian has live Starlink across its A330 and A321neo aircraft. WestJet is expanding the rollout with TELUS support. Air France and SAS are targeting full European fleet upgrades by 2025 and beyond. Together, this alliance of airlines demonstrates the global race to redefine in-flight Wi-Fi.

The latest update highlights how Starlink’s lightweight antennas also reduce drag and save fuel. That means Alaska Airlines, United, Hawaiian, WestJet, Air France, and SAS are not only improving customer experience but also cutting costs and supporting sustainability. With this, Starlink becomes more than just internet. It becomes the future of air travel.

Starlink Takes Flight: United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East Airlines Transform In-Flight Wi-Fi with SpaceX Partnership

A New Era of Aviation Connectivity

Air travel has long suffered from one persistent frustration: slow, unreliable in-flight Wi-Fi. For years, passengers accepted patchy connections, high prices, and limited functions. That era is ending. SpaceX’s Starlink, with its low-earth orbit satellite network, is now powering a wave of change across the skies. Airlines from the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific are racing to equip their fleets with high-speed Wi-Fi. The move is not just about convenience. It is reshaping competition, customer loyalty, and even tourism flows.

By 2027, major airlines are expected to offer gate-to-gate Wi-Fi that rivals home broadband. The change is global, with different carriers at different stages, but the momentum is undeniable. For passengers, this is a revolution. For airlines, it is a battle for the future of travel.

United Airlines Pushes Starlink on Regional Fleet

United Airlines is one of the first major U.S. carriers to invest heavily in Starlink. Installations began in 2025, starting with Embraer E-175 regional jets. The airline aims to fit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025, with mainline aircraft to follow. United has secured FAA certification and expects to complete around forty installs each month.

United plans to make Wi-Fi free for its MileagePlus loyalty members. This model links connectivity with brand loyalty, ensuring passengers stay engaged both in the air and on the ground. For business travellers, the benefit is clear. Real-time work, video calls, and smooth communication will become the norm rather than the exception.

Alaska Airlines Targets Fleetwide Rollout by 2027

Alaska Airlines has also made a bold move. Beginning in 2026, Alaska will roll out Starlink across its fleet, aiming for full completion in 2027. The airline is also offering free access for Atmos Rewards members, supported by a partnership with T-Mobile.

This makes Alaska the first primary U.S. carrier to offer Starlink-equipped long-haul Wi-Fi from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, its West Coast hub. The airline expects significant fuel savings thanks to Starlink’s lightweight, aerodynamic antennas, which reduce drag. Analysts predict hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual cost savings alongside improved passenger satisfaction.

Hawaiian Airlines Leads the Pacific

Hawaiian Airlines has already brought Starlink live on its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft. The carrier offers free Wi-Fi for all passengers. Its upcoming Boeing 787 fleet will also feature the service. For travellers flying long distances between the U.S. mainland and the Pacific islands, this upgrade is transformative.

Hawaiian positions itself as a pioneer in trans-Pacific digital experience. With Starlink, travellers no longer lose connectivity during long over-water flights. This strengthens Hawaii’s tourism industry, giving visitors uninterrupted digital access to book activities, confirm hotel check-ins, and share experiences in real time.

JSX Becomes a Global Launch Customer

JSX, a U.S. public charter operator, was the first to bring Starlink on board. Since May 2023, its fleet of Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 aircraft has been fully connected, offering free Wi-Fi to all passengers.

Although JSX is smaller than legacy carriers, its early adoption demonstrates the scalability of Starlink. Smaller operators can compete with larger rivals by offering a superior digital experience. For JSX, this strategy has become a unique selling point.

WestJet Brings Starlink to Canada

In Canada, WestJet has partnered with TELUS to bring Starlink across its fleet. The service launched in 2025 and will continue expanding through 2026. WestJet promotes the Wi-Fi as free for passengers, adding value in a competitive Canadian market.

For a country with vast distances between cities, reliable Wi-Fi is more than a luxury. It ensures travellers remain connected for work and leisure on routes that can stretch across multiple time zones. The move also reinforces WestJet’s position as an innovative, customer-focused airline.

Europe’s Big Moves: Air France, SAS and airBaltic

Europe is also embracing Starlink. Air France has announced it will begin rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet from summer 2025. Passengers will log in through the Flying Blue loyalty programme. This initiative replaces older connectivity systems and reflects the airline’s shift to digital-first services.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has also committed to a fleetwide rollout beginning in late 2025. Like Air France, SAS will offer the service free for all passengers. This creates a strong incentive for both leisure and business travellers across Northern Europe.

airBaltic, based in Latvia, has already fitted several Airbus A220-300s with Starlink. Passengers enjoy free access, and the programme is expanding through 2025. This places airBaltic ahead of many larger competitors, showing that even regional European airlines can lead in digital adoption.

Qatar Airways Sets the Benchmark

In the Middle East, Qatar Airways has gone further than any airline to date. The carrier has completed Starlink installations across its entire Boeing 777 fleet, the largest widebody Starlink operation in the world. It is now equipping Airbus A350 aircraft, with service rolling out from summer 2025.

Qatar Airways offers Starlink Wi-Fi free for all passengers. With speeds of up to 500 Mbps, it claims to provide the fastest in-flight internet globally. For a carrier already ranked among the world’s best, this investment reinforces its reputation. It also raises the bar for Middle Eastern rivals, pushing them to consider similar upgrades.

Saudia in Negotiations

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to bring Starlink to its fleet of over 140 aircraft. If confirmed, this would be one of the largest Starlink partnerships in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has ambitious tourism goals, aiming to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030. Reliable in-flight Wi-Fi would support this strategy, ensuring international travellers stay connected while flying to the Kingdom’s new destinations.

Asia-Pacific Experiments with Trials

In the Asia-Pacific region, airlines are moving cautiously but with interest. Air New Zealand launched trials in June 2025, fitting one Airbus A320 and one ATR-72 with Starlink. The service is free during the trial. The airline will make a decision on broader rollout based on passenger feedback.

Japan’s ZIPAIR Tokyo has also selected Starlink, though full certification and commercial entry remain pending. If successful, ZIPAIR could become one of the first Asian carriers to bring Starlink across its fleet.

Why Airlines Choose Starlink

The appeal of Starlink is clear. Traditional geostationary satellites orbit high above Earth, creating delays and inconsistent speeds. By contrast, Starlink uses low-earth orbit satellites, much closer to the planet. This reduces latency and increases speed. Passengers can stream films, make video calls, play online games, and work without disruption.

The hardware design also matters. Starlink antennas are lightweight and aerodynamic, with no moving parts. This reduces drag and saves fuel, delivering both environmental and financial benefits. Installation is also faster, with airlines able to retrofit multiple aircraft each week once approvals are secured.

Impact on Tourism and Travel

The rollout of Starlink is not just about airlines. It reshapes the wider travel and tourism industry. Passengers can now plan trips mid-flight, booking hotels, car rentals, and tours in real time. Business travellers gain productivity, turning flight time into working hours.

Tourism boards and destinations benefit as travellers arrive better informed and connected. Hotels see smoother check-ins as guests confirm bookings while in the air. Tour operators capture last-minute bookings. The ripple effect of in-flight Wi-Fi extends far beyond the aircraft.

Free vs Loyalty-Based Access

Pricing strategies vary. Some airlines, like Hawaiian, Qatar Airways, and airBaltic, offer free access for all. Others, like United and Alaska, tie free Wi-Fi to loyalty programmes. This trend strengthens frequent flyer engagement, encouraging passengers to join and remain loyal.

The free-for-all model has the advantage of universal goodwill, while the loyalty-based model supports data collection and customer retention. Both strategies reflect the central role Wi-Fi now plays in airline marketing.

Challenges and Risks

The Starlink rollout is ambitious but not without challenges. Installation requires aircraft downtime, which must be balanced against flight schedules. Regulatory approval is needed in each region to ensure safety. Data security is also a concern, as passengers increasingly use Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks.

Nevertheless, the pace of adoption suggests airlines see the risks as manageable. Early success stories, such as Qatar Airways and Hawaiian Airlines, have built confidence.

Looking Ahead

By 2027, Starlink will likely be standard across much of the global fleet. Airlines that act now will enjoy a competitive edge. Those that delay risk falling behind as passengers demand reliable, fast, and affordable Wi-Fi.

The future of air travel is digital. Starlink is not just enabling better connectivity; it is reshaping how passengers value airlines, how tourism flows operate, and how destinations interact with travellers. From Seattle to Doha, from Paris to Auckland, the message is clear. The skies are finally connected.

Alaska Airlines Bets Big on Starlink

Alaska Airlines has chosen Starlink to power its in-flight Wi-Fi, making a bold move in the competitive U.S. aviation market. Starting in 2026, the carrier will install SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite technology across its fleet, with full rollout targeted by 2027. The decision positions Alaska as a leader in in-flight connectivity, giving travellers speeds fast enough for streaming, video calls, gaming, and real-time work. This is not just an upgrade; it is a transformation of how passengers experience the sky.

The strategy also strengthens Alaska’s reputation as a forward-thinking airline. As rivals compete on routes and fares, Alaska is betting on passenger experience as the new frontier of competition. Reliable internet access has long been the missing piece in air travel. By offering gate-to-gate connectivity, Alaska is aiming to erase that gap and capture loyalty in a market where service quality drives long-term growth.

The First U.S. Carrier with Long-Haul Starlink Service

With this rollout, Alaska becomes the first major U.S. airline to offer Starlink-equipped long-haul Wi-Fi from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As the carrier’s West Coast hub, Seattle is a vital launchpad for international and domestic travel. The move signals a new era where connectivity is no longer a premium perk but a core expectation.

The choice aligns Alaska with Hawaiian Airlines, which has already added Starlink to part of its fleet. United Airlines has also begun installations, but Alaska’s commitment to a fleetwide rollout sets it apart. For passengers, this means more certainty. For competitors, it raises the stakes in the battle to redefine travel convenience.

Atmos Rewards Members Gain Free Access

In an added twist, Alaska is linking its Starlink rollout to its newly launched Atmos Rewards programme. Passengers enrolled in the loyalty scheme will enjoy free Wi-Fi, supported by a partnership with T-Mobile. This approach ties digital convenience directly to brand loyalty, rewarding frequent flyers while lowering barriers for casual travellers.

The free Wi-Fi benefit strengthens Alaska’s competitive edge. At a time when travellers face rising costs for baggage and seat selection, complimentary internet access could be a game-changing incentive. This move aligns with wider trends in aviation, where airlines integrate loyalty programmes with exclusive digital perks to retain market share.

How Starlink Technology Works

Starlink is unlike traditional satellite systems. Most in-flight Wi-Fi relies on geostationary satellites orbiting far above Earth. These satellites are distant and often slow, creating high latency that limits activities like video streaming or gaming.

Starlink instead uses a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites. These orbit much closer to the planet, delivering lower latency and higher speeds. The system is designed to provide consistent internet access even over oceans and remote regions, where traditional systems struggle.

The technology uses lightweight, electronically steered antennas that have no moving parts. This makes them easier to install on aircraft while reducing drag. For Alaska Airlines, this means faster installation, lower maintenance, and operational savings that go beyond the customer experience.

Economic Benefits Beyond Connectivity

The benefits of Starlink extend to Alaska’s bottom line. Its aerodynamic antennas reduce drag, leading to lower fuel consumption. Analysts suggest that Alaska could save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in fuel bills. In an industry where margins are tight and sustainability is a growing priority, this combination of passenger satisfaction and cost efficiency is significant.

By integrating technology that lowers emissions and fuel burn, Alaska also strengthens its sustainability credentials. With aviation under pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, such innovations are essential. This makes the Starlink rollout not only a technological milestone but also an environmental strategy.

A Market Shift in Passenger Expectations

In-flight Wi-Fi has long been a pain point for passengers. Traditional systems are slow, unreliable, and expensive. Many travellers avoid them altogether, relying instead on downloaded entertainment. Starlink changes that dynamic by making internet access as reliable in the air as it is on the ground.

For business travellers, this means uninterrupted productivity. For leisure passengers, it means streaming films, gaming, or calling family without disruption. Over time, this will shift passenger expectations. Wi-Fi will no longer be an optional extra but a standard expectation. Airlines unable to match this service risk losing relevance in an increasingly competitive market.

Competitive Implications in U.S. Aviation

The Starlink rollout places pressure on Alaska’s competitors. Hawaiian Airlines was the first to test the technology, but Alaska’s large-scale adoption will force other carriers to respond quickly. United has already begun installations, yet the scale of Alaska’s commitment raises the bar.

Delta and American Airlines face a critical choice. If they delay adoption, they risk being perceived as outdated. If they embrace Starlink or similar systems, they face significant investment costs. For passengers, the competition promises improved services across the board. For the industry, it signals a race to modernise connectivity.

Global Tourism Gains from Reliable Wi-Fi

The benefits extend beyond airlines. Reliable in-flight Wi-Fi changes how travellers interact with destinations. Tourists can research hotels, book excursions, and communicate with contacts in real time, even before landing. This creates smoother experiences and more efficient tourism flows.

For business travel, the impact is even stronger. Executives can join video calls mid-flight or finalise contracts without waiting to land. This makes air travel a productive environment rather than lost time. Over time, the tourism industry will adapt by integrating inflight digital experiences into marketing and services.

Starlink as a Tourism Technology

Starlink is more than an airline upgrade. It represents a broader shift in travel technology. Just as low-cost carriers reshaped pricing, satellite connectivity is reshaping digital expectations. Destinations and hotels will need to align with these shifts, ensuring that the digital journey continues seamlessly after landing.

This development also strengthens the United States’ position as a leader in aviation innovation. By linking Starlink with major carriers, the U.S. is setting global benchmarks. Other regions, particularly Asia and Europe, may follow suit, expanding Starlink’s influence into truly global aviation.

Challenges Ahead for Implementation

While the rollout is ambitious, it comes with challenges. Installing Starlink across an entire fleet requires careful coordination and downtime for aircraft. Alaska must balance the installation schedule with operational efficiency to avoid disruptions.

There are also regulatory considerations. Aviation authorities will need to ensure that the technology meets safety and performance standards. Data security is another area of concern, as passengers rely on internet services for sensitive transactions mid-flight.

Despite these hurdles, Alaska’s leadership remains confident. The phased rollout ensures that lessons learned from early installations will guide smoother adoption across the fleet.

What Passengers Should Expect

By 2026, passengers on Alaska Airlines can expect to see Starlink-equipped planes entering service. By 2027, nearly the entire fleet should feature the technology. This means gate-to-gate connectivity, with passengers able to stay online from boarding until arrival.

For Atmos Rewards members, the experience will be even better with free access. Others may pay a fee, though Alaska has not yet disclosed pricing. Regardless, the promise is clear: faster, more reliable internet that transforms how passengers use time in the air.

The Bigger Picture for Air Travel

Alaska’s Starlink rollout marks a turning point in aviation. In-flight internet has long been a symbol of frustration. With this partnership, it could become a symbol of reliability and innovation. Airlines that adapt quickly will win loyalty. Those that resist risk falling behind.

For passengers, the sky will no longer be a digital blackout zone. For the industry, Starlink offers a pathway to better economics, stronger loyalty programmes, and greener operations. The travel experience is evolving, and Alaska Airlines is positioning itself at the centre of this shift.

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines is redefining the passenger experience by adopting Starlink. This bold move promises faster, more reliable, and more accessible in-flight Wi-Fi by 2027. The partnership combines customer satisfaction with economic efficiency, environmental benefits, and market leadership.

As the rollout begins in 2026, passengers can look forward to a new era of connectivity. Whether for work, leisure, or tourism, the ability to stay connected will transform air travel. Alaska has not only partnered with Starlink; it has raised the standard for the global aviation industry.

Image: Alaska Airlines