Air France selects SpaceX Starlink for in-flight connectivity

The airline will commence deploying Starlink-based connectivity from Summer 2025. The airline will progressively roll out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience.

This new service will be offered completely free of charge in all travel cabins – with passengers only needing to log into their Flying Blue account to gain access.

Passengers will be able to access this service by logging into their Flying Blue account – the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free of charge on board and in just a few clicks.

Over time, this Wi-Fi service will be made available on board all the airline’s aircraft, replacing the current offer.

With Air France selecting Starlink, this should offer high-speed and low-latency connectivity across the globe (subject to local regulations and access rules). During the flight, customers will be able to easily stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and of course stream TV, films, and series.

The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the transition phase
With Starlink starting to arrive on the Air France fleet in summer 2025 (including the airline regional fleet), the current solutions that Air France utlise will use (with PaxEx.aero identifying they use Viasat (via the Inmarsat GX), Intelsat, Panasonic Avionics, and Anuvu).

Such as the size of the Air France fleet (with it operating 230 aircraft in its mainline operational 36 in its Hop! operation), this will take time to roll out.

During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service on board aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free “Message Pass” for Flying Blue members and a paid offer that covers other needs. For those who hold Flying Blue Ultimate or flying in La Première, you will be able to connect directly as usual

Another big hit
Starlink seems to be continuing to rack in the big customers. Recently, the carrier managed to attract United Airlines (the largest order so far), as well as airBaltic, JetX, WestJet, Qatar Airways and Air New Zealand.

The service has now been active across the Hawaiian Airline fleet too.

High-Speed and Low-Latency connections also benefit airlines – not just customer-facing, but to allow airlines to communicate freely from air to ground, be it sorting customer issues, maintenance issues or live video interaction if needed without the need to worry about speed and bandwidth availability.

For SpaceX’s Starlink programme, it’s another big name and a big win for its connectivity solution, which continues to drive the expansion of Low Earth Orbit connectivity.

I’ve taken a look at LEO and the impact of it – and how it impacts you as a passenger. It’s worth a read if you’re getting used to some of the terms of in-flight satellite connectivity. Economy Class & Beyond