American Airlines Picks Starlink for 500 Airbus Jets as SpaceX Deepens Airline Wi-Fi Push
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 26
American Airlines Picks Starlink for 500 Airbus Jets as SpaceX Deepens Airline Wi-Fi Push
4 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 26
American Airlines will equip more than 500 narrow-body Airbus aircraft, including A321neos, with SpaceX's Starlink starting early next year.
The move follows American's review of Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper-backed Leo service and is aimed at faster in-flight internet as carriers compete for higher-spending travelers.
American said it has no immediate plans to switch Wi-Fi providers on its Boeing fleet, which currently uses a mix of Viasat and Panasonic.
The deal adds to Starlink's airline gains after selections by United, Southwest and Alaska, while Delta chose Amazon Leo for hundreds of jets beginning in 2028.
SpaceX is preparing for a likely record IPO next month; its connectivity unit, including Starlink, generated $11.39 billion in 2025 revenue, or 61% of total sales.
Ahead of a record IPO, does the American Airlines deal justify Starlink's sky-high valuation?
As Starlink wins American, is Amazon's rival service already losing the battle for the skies?
With free Wi-Fi becoming standard, how will airlines actually profit from their massive connectivity upgrades?