EasyJet partners with Elon Musk's Starlink for in-flight wifi

TechnologyDigital
26 Oct 2026 • 7:22 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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EasyJet partners with Elon Musk's Starlink for in-flight wifi

For the first time in its three-decade history, easyJet will offer its passengers wifi on board its flights from 2027.

The budget airline is partnering with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications system to allow customers to connect to the internet “from take-off to landing”, it announced today.

It comes just months after the low-cost carrier explicitly ruled out adding Starlink satellite wifi to its fleet, with CEO Kenton Jarvis saying in January 2026 that the numbers did not work.

But a deal has now been struck between easyJet and the world’s first trillionaire, with wifi expected to be installed on the A230 and A321 fleets starting from the first half of 2027 and completed by early 2028.

Mr Jarvis said: “In an increasingly digital world, staying connected matters more than ever to many of our customers, whether that’s holidaymakers looking to unwind with in-flight entertainment, or our business customers keeping up to speed with what’s happening on the ground.

Elon Musk has faced controversy for his operation of Starlink, especially in Ukraine (Reuters)

“Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travellers want when they choose who they fly with.”

He did not mention whether passengers will expect to pay extra for wifi access on their flight, or whether the service will be provided for free.

Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, said: “We’re proud to bring Starlink onboard easyJet and transform the way their customers stay connected throughout their travels.

“Fast, reliable connectivity from take-off to landing means people can work, stream or stay in touch without interruption.”

EasyJet, which launched in 1995, carried a total of 100 million passengers in 2025 and is one of Europe’s largest airlines.

With today’s announcement, it pulls ahead of budget rival Ryanair, which continues not to offer wifi on its fleet.

Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary fell out spectacularly with SpaceX owner Musk after deciding against installing Starlink wifi on Ryanair planes, citing the weight and drag penalties incurred by its hardware.

The feud quickly turned personal, with both men branding each other “idiots” and Musk calling for O’Leary to resign.

He then stirred the pot with posts on his self-owned social media site X joking about buying the airline himself and replacing the CEO with someone else called Ryan.

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