Airlines Boost In‑Flight Wi‑Fi Offerings Across Europe and the U.S

A market analysis of German carriers found that 14 of the 25 airlines with at least 500 departures from German airports now sell onboard internet, but most provide no more than 4 Mbps, insufficient for high‑definition streaming. Passengers are willing to pay modest fees – 5 to 10 euros – for more reliable service, with higher willingness on long‑haul flights.

In the United States, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, owned by the same parent group, have equipped 150 aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system, delivering speeds up to 300 Mbps. The service is free for members of the airlines’ Atmos Rewards loyalty program and is slated for installation across the entire wide‑body fleet by autumn 2026 and the remaining mainline fleet by 2027. Both developments illustrate a broader trend of airlines adopting high‑speed satellite connectivity to improve the passenger experience and compete on service quality.