Airlines prioritize satellite internet over onboard catering

Major airlines are shifting their onboard service priorities, moving away from complimentary catering toward high-speed satellite internet.

Lufthansa Group has announced plans to equip its fleet of approximately 850 aircraft with Starlink satellite internet by 2029. This upgrade, which includes brands such as Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, Austrian, Swiss, and ITA, aims to enable high-bandwidth activities like streaming and cloud-based work. Free access will be provided to Lufthansa loyalty members and registered users.

Similarly, Aer Lingus is introducing Starlink connectivity on all transatlantic flights departing from Shannon Airport.

This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward individualized services. While some carriers, such as KLM, are reducing complimentary food offerings to focus on expanded paid menus, others are investing heavily in connectivity. Industry data suggests that for many travelers, ticket price and safety remain higher priorities than onboard dining.