airBaltic airplane. Photo: Shutterstock
Starting from the first quarter of 2025, airBaltic will offer fast and free internet on all its flights using Starlink technology, with no need to log in and without interruptions - from takeoff to landing.
Just this week, United Airlines announced the acceleration of its schedule for integrating Starlink technology, and yesterday (Wednesday) airBaltic announced the completion of its first flight with the technology.
The Latvian airline airBaltic announced that it successfully completed its first test flight with high-speed internet from SpaceX's Starlink on its Airbus A220-300 during a flight over Latvia.
To mark the occasion, the company posted the following announcement on its social media: "We made history today! We successfully completed our first test flight with SpaceX's high-speed Starlink internet on our Airbus A220-300!"
Starting the first quarter of 2025, we will begin using Starlink in our aircraft fleet to provide you with fast and free Wi-Fi. This way you can stream content, play games, and stay connected from takeoff to landing - no need to log in, no interruptions, just a stable internet connection. The future of air travel is almost here!"
We’ve just made history! ? Today, we successfully completed our first test flight with @SpaceX’s @Starlink high-speed internet onboard our @Airbus A220-300! ?✈️
— airBaltic (@airBaltic) January 7, 2025
Starting Q1 2025, we expect to be the first European airline to begin installing Starlink across our fleet to bring… pic.twitter.com/st5FdAxIVU
This move represents a significant step forward in in-flight internet services, as starting from the first quarter of 2025, the company plans to begin installing Starlink service across its entire fleet. The service will allow passengers to enjoy fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the flight, from takeoff to landing - without needing to create an account, with no interruptions, ensuring a seamless and innovative browsing experience in the air.
This is an upgrade for the commercial aviation world, with Starlink technology based on a satellite network that provides fast and stable internet even at high altitudes. The new service is expected to allow passengers to stay connected at all times during the flight, stream content, play online games, and conduct video calls - all at no additional cost.
The current announcement marks the Latvian company's first step in the full aerial connectivity revolution, which is set to change the flying experience for many passengers worldwide.