Lufthansa Group Commits to Starlink Wi-Fi for Entire 850-Aircraft Fleet

The Lufthansa Group is making a major investment in passenger experience upgrade.

The airline group announced plans to install Starlink satellite internet across its entire fleet. This massive undertaking covers approximately 850 aircraft. The goal is to provide high-speed connectivity long-haul and short-haul flights. This move solidifies the group's commitment to digital innovation.

Rollout and Fleet Modernization

The rollout of the Lufthansa Group Starlink internet service is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. The program is a significant part of the group's fleet modernization program. It will cover both existing aircraft and all new deliveries. The full fleet is expected to be equipped with the new system by 2029.

This upgrade includes key long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A350. The A350 fleet is a central part of Lufthansa’s premium long-haul offering. The retrofit process will be a major logistical project. It involves installing new antennas and internal hardware on hundreds of aircraft. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will oversee certification. This is required for the new satellite hardware on all aircraft types.

Technology and Speed

Starlink uses a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This LEO technology is a key differentiator in the in-flight Wi-Fi service market. It offers significantly lower latency and higher bandwidth than older systems. Passengers can expect speeds that enable streaming and cloud-based working. This brings the onboard digital experience closer to ground-based standards.

Passenger Benefits and Market Impact

In a major shift for commercial aviation news, the new service will be free. Complimentary high-speed internet will be offered to all status customers. It will also be free for all Lufthansa Group Travel ID users. This applies across all cabin classes, including Economy. This strategy positions connectivity as a core premium offering.

Lufthansa Group is now the largest European airline group to commit to Starlink. This scale of adoption underscores the technology’s growing dominance. Analysts project Starlink could capture nearly 40% of the commercial aviation connectivity market by 2034. The decision follows similar moves by other major carriers. This includes Air France and Qatar Airways. The competition for high-quality onboard internet is driving rapid change. This investment is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. It meets the rising passenger demand for seamless connectivity. For more updates on this and other industry developments, visit our commercial aviation news at flying.flights.

• The Lufthansa Group fleet includes aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.