SpaceX’s Starlink continues to attract airline operators. Southwest Airlines is the latest to adopt the satellite internet service for its fleet, with connectivity scheduled for the summer of 2026.
Southwest has announced that more than 300 of its aircraft will be outfitted with Starlink hardware in 2026. The aim is to offer passengers a rapid internet connection enabling streaming, gaming, and internet calls, even at thousands of feet in the air.
According to Tony Roach, EVP and Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines, “Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel. Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”
The airline is adding Starlink to its existing T-Mobile connection option. The upgrade, however, adds other conveniences, such as extra legroom and snack options. Southwest is also installing larger overhead bins and optimizing the boarding process.
Other airlines that have signed up for Starlink include United Airlines, Gulf Air, Lufthansa Group, and Qatar Airways. Customers of Ryanair, however, will have to do without the services for the time being due to extra fuel burn.
SpaceX is rapidly expanding its orbital network. It has received new approval to launch a batch of 7,500 Starlink second-generation satellites.
