Starlink signs 48 airlines in massive in-flight Wi-Fi expansion

SpaceX's Starlink is significantly expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi network, striking new partnerships with 48 airlines worldwide.

SpaceX’s Starlink is significantly expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi network, striking new partnerships with 48 airlines worldwide. The move marks a major step toward bringing faster, more reliable internet access to passengers on flights globally.

Under the growing agreement, Starlink’s contracts now cover more than 7,000 aircraft that are already equipped, currently undergoing installation, or locked in under contract.

The latest airline to join is Royal Air Maroc, which will become the first African carrier to bring Starlink service across its entire fleet by 2027. That growth is notable, considering Starlink had just two airline partners at the end of 2025 before adding 23 new deals throughout 2026.

Major carriers including American Airlines, United and Emirates are already on board, promising passengers noticeably faster speeds compared to older in-flight Wi-Fi systems. Despite the excitement, some users online have raised concerns about added aircraft weight and occasional service outages tied to satellite connectivity.

Separately, competitor AST SpaceMobile has also entered the race, announcing satellite-to-phone trials capable of reaching speeds up to 200 Mbps from cruising altitude. The early announcement appears aimed at getting ahead of rival services in the same space.

Reaction to Starlink’s expansion has been active on social media, with many users weighing in on the scale of the rollout. One person online praised the strategy, calling it an impressive business move given how strong Starlink’s connectivity already is in most locations.

Another user described the deal as a major market takeover, arguing that older in-flight Wi-Fi providers are effectively being phased out as a result.

With more than 7,000 aircraft now tied to the network in some stage of deployment, Starlink appears to be positioning itself as the dominant player in in-flight connectivity. As more airlines sign on, passengers across dozens of carriers can expect to see faster, more consistent internet access becoming the new standard well before the decade is out.