Image: Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is moving faster than expected with its Starlink rollout, accelerating plans to bring SpaceX’s satellite internet to its entire fleet after strong early results on regional aircraft.
According to Travel and Tour World, the airline has seen “extremely successful” performance from Starlink Wi-Fi on its Embraer E175 regional jets, prompting Alaska to fast-track installations across its Boeing 737 and 787 fleets. The airline had originally planned a more gradual deployment stretching into 2027, but now says it’s pushing ahead of schedule, with full fleet coverage still targeted by that year.
Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellite network offers a major leap over traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, delivering low latency and speeds that can reach up to 450 Mbps. Passengers on early Starlink-equipped flights have reported a dramatically improved experience, including smooth video streaming, video calls, and real-time apps — something that’s historically been difficult, if not impossible, at 35,000 feet.
Alaska first announced plans to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi last August, becoming the first U.S. airline to commit to Starlink-equipped long-haul flights out of Seattle. The service is expected to be free for passengers, with Alaska also planning to integrate connectivity into its loyalty offerings, including partnerships like its existing relationship with T-Mobile.
The accelerated rollout comes as Starlink gains serious momentum across the aviation industry. United Airlines is already expanding free Starlink Wi-Fi access for its members, while international carriers including British Airways, Qatar Airways, WestJet, ZipAir, and JSX have all signed on. More recently, Emirates and flydubai announced major deals with Starlink, underscoring how quickly the technology is becoming the gold standard for in-flight connectivity. British Airways has also confirmed plans to begin offering free Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on its flights starting this year.
For Alaska Airlines, the appeal goes beyond raw speed. Starlink’s ability to provide gate-to-gate connectivity, pending regulatory approvals, and maintain reliable service over oceans and remote regions gives it a clear edge over legacy satellite providers. That reliability is especially important for long-haul routes and flights over Alaska’s rugged terrain, where traditional systems often struggle.
With installations now ramping up across its narrowbody and widebody fleets, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself at the forefront of a broader shift in air travel — one where fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury, but an expectation.
