American Airlines Selects Starlink for 500 Aircraft

American airline American Airlines has signed an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink division to deploy satellite internet on board more than 500 Airbus narrow-body aircraft. The upgrade will begin in early 2025 and will cover A321XLR and A320neo models. Boeing aircraft in the carrier’s fleet will not be updated under this contract.

Starlink, the only SpaceX division generating significant revenue, is actively expanding its presence in the in-flight telecommunications market. The company’s low-Earth orbit satellites provide broadband internet access for both private users and corporate clients, including airlines and cruise operators. Starlink’s partners already include United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Group, and other major carriers.

This contract further confirms Starlink’s competitiveness against rivals such as Amazon Leo and Viasat. For SpaceX, the deal with American Airlines is a key step ahead of its planned IPO in the coming months, which analysts predict could set a record for funds raised.