AirBaltic has become the first European airline to officially roll-out the Starlink internet system on its flights providing improved connectivity for passengers.
Following certification of the system by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) the Latvian airline will be offering free high-speed internet via Starlink on its Airbus A220-300 fleet.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of AirBaltic said: “This is a historic milestone for airBaltic and a game-changer for European air travel. By becoming the first European airline to integrate SpaceX’s Starlink, we are redefining what connectivity in the skies means. This is not just an improvement, it is a revolution in air travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront, delivering the future of connectivity to our passengers already today.”
Chad Gibbs, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Business Operations added: “Customers and crew of airBaltic flights will now have access to high-speed, low-latency internet the moment they step onboard their plane. This year, we intend to have the entire airBaltic fleet connected with Starlink, and we couldn’t be more excited to provide reliable internet service on tens of thousands of flights and counting all around the world.”
AirBaltic has already begun installation of the Starlink system on its A220-300 aircraft and aims to have this completed by the end of 2025.
Starlink in-flight connectivity uses SpaceX’s satellite network to provide internet service on aircraft. It aims to deliver high-speed broadband access for passengers during flights, enhancing the in-flight experience.
The system utilizes phased-array antennas on aircraft to connect to Starlink satellites, offering reliable internet access even over remote areas where traditional ground-based networks struggle. Multiple airlines are testing or have begun implementing Starlink technology to improve their in-flight offerings.