Starlink internet on the plane. Photo: Lufthansa Lufthansa Group has announced a significant upgrade to the flight experience, with the implementation of Starlink-based high-speed internet service across its entire fleet of short- and long-haul aircraft.
The move is intended to improve the in-flight connectivity experience by enabling fast browsing, cloud-based work, and, later on, free use for eligible passengers.
The project is being carried out as part of a broad program by the Lufthansa Group, under which approximately 850 of the group's aircraft will be equipped with broadband Internet, both in the existing fleet and in new aircraft, starting in 2026. According to the plan, the entire group's fleet will be equipped with the system by the end of 2029.
SWISS, which also announced the move, notes that the service will be rolled out gradually while the aircraft remain in service and that the exact installation dates for each aircraft are still in the planning stages. Additional information is expected to be released during 2026.
The new service will be based on Starlink satellite technology, currently considered the fastest in the field of aerial internet. The connection will allow for extremely high speeds and bandwidth that will also support content viewing, advanced work, and data-intensive applications. The internet will be free for all status passengers and Travel ID users, in all service classes.
The group emphasizes that this is an additional investment in the premium product and technological innovation throughout the entire travel experience chain, and that Lufthansa will become the largest aviation group in Europe with the largest fleet of aircraft equipped with Starlink technology.
Starlink internet on the plane. Photo: LufthansaStarlink is a satellite internet service based on an array of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. Thanks to its proximity to Earth, the system can provide faster, more stable connectivity than traditional systems that rely on high-altitude satellites.
Starlink's high-speed internet has been welcomed by many airlines over the past year.
Emirates began offering fast, free internet in all classes of service from November 23, 2025, with a full and gradual rollout across 232 of its aircraft, and Flydubai followed suit. This comes after United Airlines first passenger flight with Starlink internet took off in October .
Last September, Air France began equipping its new Airbus A350s with free, unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi , the first on long-haul flights. It is joined by carriers like airBaltic (which was the first to integrate Starlink on its Airbus A220-300s) and Qatar Airways, .and this is probably just the beginning.
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group: "In our anniversary year, in which we are celebrating Lufthansa's 100th birthday, we have decided to introduce a new high-speed internet solution from Starlink for all our airlines. The Lufthansa Group is taking the next step and setting an essential milestone for the premium travel experience of our customers. Connectivity on board plays an important role today, and with Starlink, we are not only investing in the best product on the market, but also in the satisfaction of our passengers."