Summary:
- Aer Lingus equips its first aircraft with Starlink, providing ultra-fast, reliable WiFi for streaming, working, and browsing at 500+ Mbps.
- The rollout begins on North American routes, expanding to European flights, with full long-haul fleet connectivity expected by Q1 2027.
- The Starlink launch complements Aer Lingus’ digital innovation efforts, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Aer Lingus – a member of International Airlines Group (a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub) – has equipped the first aircraft in its fleet with Starlink, delivering ultrafast, reliable WiFi to travellers and marking a major step forward for customer experience.
The innovative technology enables passengers in every cabin to seamlessly access free, fast, reliable internet for streaming, working, gaming, and staying connected.
Starlink is a constellation of more than 10,000 satellites that orbit Earth at approximately 550km, enabling low-latency connectivity. This means Aer Lingus customers flying on Starlink-equipped aircraft will be able to seamlessly work, browse, shop and connect from the air on multiple devices on the fastest WiFi in the sky, with download speeds of up to 500+ Mbps.
Aer Lingus will equip all aircraft with Starlink in a phased rollout, beginning with aircraft flying to North America, followed by those serving European destinations. Starlink WiFi is expected to be available across the airline’s long-haul fleet by Q1 2027.
The launch of Starlink builds on Aer Lingus’ commitment to digital innovation, following significant investment in its mobile app and Express Bag Drop kiosks.
“Introducing Starlink on our first aircraft is a big moment for us in Aer Lingus,” said Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive Officer, Aer Lingus. “It means our customers can browse, download and stream at speeds as fast as, or quicker than, they’d get at home. This level of connectivity is a real game-changer. It gives our customers more freedom in how they spend their time onboard and it helps our crews and teams work more efficiently. As we mark our 90th year, Starlink is just one of a number of customer improvements we’re bringing to Aer Lingus.”
Hear more from Aer Lingus at the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing events, taking place in Dublin on 9-11 June 2026. Brian Horgan, Transformation Lead, Aer Lingus, is participating in a session titled ‘Smarter, safer and more consistent: The future of the tech-enabled workforce on the ramp and in the baggage hall’.
Register for the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing events – free for airlines, low-cost for airports >>You may also be interested in
12 technology and CX trends that can enhance airline and airport operations in 2026
12 innovations that have the potential to enhance CX and future-proof airport operations
The FTE Commercial Collaboration Playbook – delivered in partnership with Munich Airport
