American Airlines will install SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet on roughly 500 narrow-body Airbus jets, starting with the A321neo in early 2025.
The airline’s decision follows an evaluation period that included Amazon’s Project Kuiper—referred to in the article as 'Amazon Leo'—as a potential provider.
American Airlines has no immediate plans to change providers for its Boeing fleet, which currently uses a mix of Viasat and Panasonic systems, a spokesperson confirmed.
The airline introduced free in-flight Wi-Fi for members of its frequent flyer program in January 2024, joining similar initiatives by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Other Carriers’ Choices
The competitive landscape among satellite internet providers is shifting:
- Delta Air Lines announced in March it will use Amazon's Project Kuiper for in-flight Wi-Fi on hundreds of jets starting in 2028.
- United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines (which merged with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024) have selected Starlink.
The adoption of satellite internet services is aimed at attracting higher-spending customers by improving internet speed and reliability, as well as exploring potential revenue streams such as personalized advertising.
SpaceX Financial Context
SpaceX is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) next month. According to its IPO filing, the company’s connectivity unit, which includes Starlink, generated $11.39 billion in revenue last year, representing 61% of total sales.