RIGA- airBaltic (BT), latvian airline, has announced that it will equip its entire Airbus A220-300 fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink Wifi internet system.
This upgrade will provide passengers with free, high-speed internet access on all flights, eliminating login pages and connection barriers.
By implementing Starlink, airBaltic becomes the first European airline to offer unlimited satellite internet across its fleet.
Passengers will experience seamless connectivity from boarding to landing, enabling real-time communication, streaming, and gaming at speeds comparable to home internet.
Photo: By Aleksandrs Samuilovs – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12861400airBaltic Integrates Starlink Wifi
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite-based broadband service offering low-latency, high-speed internet in over 40 countries.
Unlike traditional geostationary satellites positioned 35,786 km above Earth, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites operate at just 550 km, significantly reducing latency to as low as 20 milliseconds.
This enables in-flight activities such as online gaming, VPN usage, and high-bandwidth streaming, with speeds reaching up to 350 Mbps per aircraft.
Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, described the move as a milestone for both the airline and the aviation industry.
“Soon, airBaltic will become the first airline in Europe to launch high-speed, unlimited, and free-of-charge satellite internet onboard,” Gauss stated.
He emphasized that this aligns with airBaltic’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience with modern technology.
Jonathan Hofeller, Vice President of Starlink Sales at SpaceX, highlighted the significance of this partnership.
“airBaltic is setting a new standard by ensuring its passengers have an internet experience comparable to what they expect at home. With Starlink, connectivity barriers in aviation are eliminated, allowing travelers to stay connected without interruptions.”
Photo: airBalticairBaltic Fleet wide Implementation
To implement Starlink across its fleet, airBaltic (BT) will collaborate with SpaceX to obtain Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval.
Installation is set to begin this year, ensuring all Airbus A220-300 aircraft in airBaltic’s fleet are equipped with the technology.
The decision to integrate Starlink reflects airBaltic’s commitment to innovation.
The airline, known for operating one of the most modern aircraft fleets, sees high-speed in-flight connectivity as a natural progression in enhancing passenger comfort and digital services.
By pioneering Starlink adoption in Europe, airBaltic is setting a precedent for other airlines looking to improve in-flight connectivity.
The success of this initiative could accelerate the widespread adoption of low-latency satellite internet across the aviation sector.
As airlines strive to offer seamless connectivity, partnerships like this may redefine passenger expectations for onboard digital experiences.
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