United Airlines has now equipped most of its two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 aircraft – with Starlink connectivity. Additionally, the airline plans for more than 500 mainline aircraft to be equipped by the end of 2026.

The latest news and analysis in the field of in-flight connectivity, covering onboard Wi-Fi, satellite connectivity solutions, in-flight mobile phone use and personal electronic devices.

United Airlines has now equipped most of its two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 aircraft – with Starlink connectivity. Additionally, the airline plans for more than 500 mainline aircraft to be equipped by the end of 2026.

Gulf Air has announced the roll-out of Starlink high-speed inflight connectivity across its entire fleet starting in mid-2026, offering complimentary WiFi to passengers – from boarding through to arrival.

Riyadh Air has announced a strategic partnership with Neo Space Group (NSG) to equip its Airbus A321 fleet with NSG Skywaves – the Group’s advanced inflight connectivity solution – enabling free, high-speed WiFi.

KLM is now offering free inflight WiFi to passengers travelling within Europe, marking an important step in enhancing the customer experience as it aims to make travel “more personal and comfortable”.
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Lufthansa Group is to equip around 850 aircraft with high-speed Starlink connectivity, beginning as early as the second half of 2026. The satellite-based system enables streaming, cloud-based work, and high-speed applications.

Emirates’ retrofit programme has entered its next phase. Starting from August 2026, the airline will introduce a host of new onboard products, alongside a next-generation, fully immersive inflight entertainment system.

APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 included a key session on ‘Taking Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity to New Heights – Opportunities and Challenges’, featuring Fiji Airways, Qantas, SES, Safran, Spafax, and dgtlsky.

Emirates will deploy Starlink connectivity across its entire in-service fleet, beginning with Boeing 777 aircraft and completing the rollout by mid-2027. The service will be free for all customers, across all cabins.

Etihad Airways will deploy Viasat’s next-generation connectivity solution, Viasat Amara, across the majority of its fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver a world-class guest experience.

International Airlines Group has announced a partnership to implement Starlink-enabled high-speed connectivity on Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL and Vueling aircraft, with the first aircraft to go live in early 2026.

Thai Airways is to line-fit Neo Space Group’s (NSG) advanced inflight connectivity solution – NSG Skywaves – on all of its new fleet of 787s to support high-speed passenger WiFi and enhance operational efficiency.

Cathay Pacific has announced that complimentary WiFi will be offered to Cathay Gold members travelling in all cabins from 15 November 2025, further elevating their inflight experience with a seamless, connected journey.

Virgin Atlantic and Boeing are to implement connectivity modifications across the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787s. These will enhance onboard internet service, bringing high-speed, streaming-quality WiFi to passengers.

Air France, in partnership with Starlink, is to offer complimentary high-speed WiFi onboard all flights. The airline plans to offer the service on 30% of its fleet by end-2025 and throughout its fleet by end-2026.

Southwest Airlines has announced a new partnership delivering free unlimited WiFi for all Rapid Rewards members, beginning on 24 October 2025, as part of an ongoing commitment to elevate the cabin experience.

TAP Air Portugal has enhanced the IFE experience on its long-haul aircraft with a software update that allows Economy Class passengers to connect their personal Bluetooth headphones to their seatback screens.
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