AirBaltic aims to introduce Starlink internet in Q1

AirBaltic is aiming to become the first European airline to introduce Starlink’s onboard internet service during the first three months of 2025.

The Latvia-based carrier said it had conducted its certification test flight using Starlink’s satellite-based service onboard one of its Airbus A220-300 aircraft. This is part of the process towards gaining approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

AirBaltic added that it was working with Starlink to complete EASA’s approval process and expected to begin installing the internet service on its A220-300s during the first quarter of this year. The airline plans to equip its entire A220-300 fleet with Starlink.

Martin Gauss, president and CEO of airBaltic, said: “This is a game-changer in the future of air travel, and the test flight brings us one step closer to revolutionising the travel experience for our passengers.

“We are thrilled to lead the way in Europe and be the first airline in this region to offer for free Starlink’s reliable, high-speed internet. By integrating Starlink, we are set to elevate the travel experience for passengers across the airBaltic network throughout Europe and beyond.” 

Starlink, which is part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX operation, started being used on commercial aircraft in 2024 with Qatar Airways introducing Starlink on its first Boeing 777 in October.

Air France is planning to start rolling out Starlink wifi across its entire fleet from the summer 2025 season for members of its Flying Blue loyalty programme. While US carrier United Airlines is also planning to introduce Starlink on its fleet of regional aircraft from spring 2025.