Air France is launching a major upgrade to its inflight internet service by partnering with Starlink. The airline says that free, high-speed Wi-Fi will be available in all cabins – and on nearly the entire fleet – by the end of 2026. Passengers will no longer need to worry about which class they’re flying in for connection quality: the new service promises to be uniform and reliable.
The transition has already begun. Several aircraft types, including regional and long-haul planes, have been retrofitted with Starlink equipment. As of now, a handful of Embraer 190s, A220s, and at least one A350 are already offering the upgraded connection. By the end of 2025, about 30% of the fleet is expected to be equipped. The rest will follow over the next year.
Access to the new Wi-Fi is simple. Travellers will log in using the airline’s loyalty programme. Those unfamiliar with that programme can sign up onboard in just a few clicks. Until every plane is retrofitted, more limited connectivity options will remain on older aircraft – such as message-only access or paid Wi-Fi for heavier usage.
What This Means for Passengers
For passengers, this move takes away one of air travel’s older frustrations: unreliable or costly internet in flight. With Starlink, connection speed and latency should improve considerably, meaning streaming, browsing, video calls, and multiple device usage become more feasible. Even those flying short hops will benefit, particularly in regions where ground-based connectivity is weak.
Entertainment and work options will expand. Business travellers often depend on stable internet for emails, video calls, uploads, and cloud access. Leisure travellers can stream shows or stay connected with family without worrying about lag or dead zones. Starlink’s satellite network is especially useful for over-ocean or remote flights where traditional connectivity options underperform.
Connectivity also becomes more of a baseline expectation. As other airlines begin similar rollouts, free or high-quality Wi-Fi will likely shift from a “nice-to-have” perk to a standard amenity. Air France setting this standard could pressure competitors to follow suit – or risk falling behind in traveler satisfaction.
Strategy, Challenges & Considerations
Implementing fleetwide Starlink service is a big investment and logistical challenge. Aircraft retrofitting takes time, resources, and downtime. There are regulatory approvals involved, especially when flying over different countries with varying rules for satellite systems. Training staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring cybersecurity are additional hurdles.
Another consideration is rounding out what happens during the transition period. Old connectivity systems will need to remain usable until full rollout. Communication will matter: passengers need clarity about which aircraft offer the upgraded service and what the limitations are during installation phases.
Overall, Air France’s partnership with Starlink represents a move toward more modern, connected air travel. For many passengers, inflight entertainment and connectivity will feel much less restricted. By making free high-speed Wi-Fi a part of the flight experience for all cabins, Air France is embracing what many travelers already expect on the ground.
