Plans to have Starlink on 300 aircraft this year
Southwest is the latest airline to sign up for Starlink from SpaceX.
The Starlink system will enable Southwest passengers to stream, share, and scroll in the sky at lightning-fast speeds.
This technology supports inflight entertainment with high-definition streaming and live gaming, connection with real-time messaging, and productivity.
Passengers will be able to use multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops and tablets.
Southwest’s first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, and the airline will offer the fast Wi-Fi on up to 300 aircraft by the end of 2026.
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, 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.”
Starlink
Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet, powered by a vast network of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to provide reliable inflight connectivity.
SpaceX’s Starlink is the leader in the LEO race.
About 1,000 commercial aircraft were equipped with Starlink’s service in July 2025, doubling its footprint in just five months.
Starlink now has deals for inflight wifi with:
- airBaltic
- Alaska Airlines
- Air France
- Air New Zealand
- Emirates
- flyDubai
- Gulf Air
- Hawaiian Airlines
- IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus)
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Eurowings). By 2029, the entire fleet will be equipped with Starlink.
- Qatar Airways
- JSX
- SAS
- Southwest
- WestJet
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- ZIPAIR
