The use of low-orbit satellites (LEOs) to provide internet interconnection services during aircraft flight, at satisfactory speeds for passengers, is constantly expanding, as more and more major airlines install antennas on their aircraft that allow them to have a signal with thousands of satellites "relaying" a signal from ground stations.
At this point in time, satellite internet using LEO technology - and especially SpaceX's Starlink service (Elon Musk) - is offered only by very large airlines, some others have announced that they are starting costly programs of gradual installation of such antennas on their aircraft within two or three years, but as far as low or ultra-low cost airlines are concerned, the response to the need of passengers to use reliable, Fast and cheap or free in-flight internet is limited.
Just a few days ago, one such low-cost company, the Hungarian Wizz Air, announced an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink, to provide satellite internet to its entire fleet from 2027. Other such carriers, such as Ryan Air and EasyJet, have not made similar announcements, concerned about the high cost of these services.
Euronews, however, wrote last week that after Wizz Air, the next low-cost company to partner with Starlink will be Eurowings, a member of the Lufthansa Group.
Who offers it
Wizz Air has not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement with Starlink, nor has it specified whether the service will be available free of charge or at an additional charge if the passenger wants internet on board.
Euronews points out that the announcement of the Hungarian company comes at a time when SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, is preparing for its listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Starlink has already signed agreements with several US airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest, United and Alaska Airlines, as well as long-haul carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Emirates.
In Europe, Latvian airBaltic was the first to launch satellite internet service in February 2025, followed by Air France, SAS and British Airways. All full-service carriers, which do not fall into the category of very low-cost carriers.
In Asia, the South Korean group Hanjin, which owns Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and three low-cost airlines also announced an agreement with Starlink (as early as December 2025), with antenna installation expected to begin towards the end of 2026.
