Lufthansa Group is preparing to significantly upgrade the in-flight experience for millions of passengers by rolling out free high-speed WiFi across its airlines, powered by Starlink satellite technology. The initiative, which begins in the second half of the year, positions the group as Europe’s largest airline operator to adopt next-generation broadband internet across an entire fleet.
The free WiFi service will be available to all passengers with status in the Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More frequent flyer program, as well as to Miles & More members who enroll in the group’s digital Travel ID system. Travel ID allows customers to securely store personal details, payment information, and travel documents under a single login that works across all Lufthansa Group airlines, streamlining the travel process from booking to boarding.
The new connectivity offering will be introduced as Lufthansa Group retrofits its aircraft with Starlink equipment. The group operates a fleet of approximately 850 aircraft across its various brands, and the goal is to have every plane equipped with Starlink technology by 2029. The rollout will cover both existing aircraft and new deliveries, ensuring consistent connectivity standards across the fleet.
Starlink’s satellite-based system is designed to deliver significantly higher speeds and bandwidth than traditional in-flight WiFi solutions. For passengers, this means the ability to stream video, work on cloud-based applications, and browse the internet with performance comparable to ground-based connections. The service will be available in all travel classes, reinforcing Lufthansa Group’s broader strategy of enhancing premium elements throughout the passenger journey.
The investment comes as airlines increasingly view connectivity as a core part of the onboard experience rather than an optional add-on. Lufthansa Group executives have emphasized that reliable internet access has become a key expectation for modern travelers, particularly on longer routes where passengers want to remain productive or entertained throughout the flight.
The Starlink partnership spans all Lufthansa Group carriers, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, and the group’s regional operations. By standardizing connectivity across brands, the group aims to deliver a more consistent experience regardless of which airline or aircraft passengers fly.
The WiFi rollout is part of a wider program of investment tied to Lufthansa Group’s fleet modernization and service upgrades. As competition intensifies across European and global aviation markets, the move underscores the group’s focus on technology-driven improvements that enhance passenger satisfaction while reinforcing loyalty among frequent flyers.
