MORE airlines have joined the rush to offer passengers free WiFi.
They’re following JetBlue’s deal with Amazon and United Airlines’ Starlink upgrade to keep customers connected while in mid-air.
Air Canada was the first major carrier to say it would introduce free Wi-Fi – with the service being rolled out to long-haul international routes this yearCredit: Reuters
And now Lufthansa has announced it’s full fleet of more than 850 aircraft will have WiFi capabilities by 2029Credit: Getty
Air Canada plans this year to expand its Bell-sponsored Wi-Fi service to long haul international flights.
And now Lufthansa group has just unveiled its collaboration with Starlink to offer high-speed internet on all fleets across all airlines.
“Starlink technology is expected to be available on the first flights as early as the second half of 2026,” it announced of the retrofit project yesterday.
The globally operating German aviation group said it would equip around 850 aircraft with high-speed broadband internet access.
That means it’ll be rolled out on its namesake Lufthansa planes.
It’ll also pop up on group airlines SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, and Edelweiss.
The entire fleet will be equipped with the new connectivity by 2029.
Lufthansa, the largest airline group in Europe, said it would “keep on investing in its premium customer experience.”
High-speed broadband internet access will be available both within the existing fleet and on all new aircraft.
It said it was partnering “for the comprehensive upgrade with leading provider Starlink, which offers the fastest in-flight internet connection in the industry today.”
“The system is based on satellite technology and enables internet access in the air just like on the ground,” Lufthansa added.
Elon Musk’s Starlink is a global internet network which relies on some 10,000 satellites orbiting Earth.
“Higher bandwidth and speed will enable streaming, cloud-based working, and other high-speed applications during flights in the future,” the carrier said.
“The new internet service will be free of charge for all status customers and Travel ID users – across all travel classes.
“This makes Lufthansa Group the largest airline group in Europe to upgrade its fleet with state-of-the-art broadband internet – no other airline will equip more aircraft with Starlink technology.”
Lufthansa has partnered up with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite serviceCredit: Getty
Lufthansa said the move was to help celebrate the carrier’s 100th anniversary.
“With Starlink, we are not only investing in the best product on the market, but also in the satisfaction of our passengers,” said Dieter Vranckx, chief commercial officer of the Lufthansa Group.
Which airlines offer free WiFi?
Lufthansa is the latest in a string of airlines offering passengers free WiFi.
AMERICAN AIRLINES:
American Airlines has this month introduced free Wi-Fi on its flights, starting with its narrowbody planes and two-class regional jets.
Its program is being sponsored by AT&T, with Intelsat and Viasat providing the actual internet technology for the upgrade.
Unfortunately, only customers who have joined American’s AAdvantage loyalty program will access the service for free.
JETBLUE:
Meanwhile, JetBlue has signed on to Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network.
Amazon said its satellites will provide higher speeds and lower latency than traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites.
JetBlue flights will begin outfitting aircraft with the new system in 2027, with 25% of flights using the broadcast system when it first launches.
The new plans will give passengers faster Wi-Fi which will be completely free.
UNITED AIRLINES:
United Airlines has previously announced that it would introduce Wi-Fi on board flights from mid-October 2025.
“Lightning-fast Starlink Wi-Fi is now on board our first mainline aircraft,” it revealed on X.
“That means live streaming, live sports, live gaming, even live watching your pet cam.”
Economy flyers are being charged a small fee for this service, but it’s free for MileagePlus members.
AIR CANADA:
Air Canada announced at the end of 2024 that it was introducing fast, free streaming-quality Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell.
“Beginning in May 2025, this complimentary service will be available to Aeroplan Members on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for flights within North American and Sun markets,” it said.
“The airline also plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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