Air France has revealed that its entire fleet will integrate an ultra-fast Internet connection thanks to Starlink. The airline, which serves nearly 190 destinations with more than 200 aircraft, will deploy this service from summer 2025. Passengers will thus be able to benefit from a very high-speed connection in flight, similar to that available on the ground.
Generalized Internet access in all Air France planes
According to the company’s press release, this new service will be completely free for all passengers, regardless of their travel class, provided they are registered with the “Flying Blue” loyalty program. This is a simple and free operation, which also allows you to accumulate miles and other benefits.
This partnership with Starlink replaces the current on-board Internet offering, which until now was limited to free messaging, with paid options for full web or streaming access.
The Starlink service offers optimal global coverage with its more than 6,700 satellites in low orbit which guarantee a stable connection even when flying over isolated areas. This in-flight connectivity should greatly improve passenger comfort by allowing them to browse the web, watch streaming videos or download music without interruption.
Unlike geostationary orbit satellites used by traditional providers, Starlink’s satellites operate at a much lower altitude, reducing latency and improving the speed of connections. In practice, this means that passengers will be able to access a service similar to ADSL or optical fiber, with much lower latency than previous technologies.
Some restrictions remain, however. Air France has clarified that the connection could be limited when flying over certain countries, although the details have not yet been specified. Despite everything, the company expects that the majority of its passengers will be able to benefit from this new service without incident, whether they are traveling in Economy Class or First.
Air France is not the only airline to turn to Starlink. United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have already started to integrate the technologies necessary to provide this wireless connectivity in their planes. SpaceX technology is gradually establishing itself in the aviation sector, particularly on long hauls where the needs in terms of web connection are the greatest.
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