Lufthansa launches first Starlink plane: on-board internet promised to be free

The German airline Lufthansa has made its first flight on an aircraft equipped with Starlink satellite internet. So far, the new technology is available on only one airliner, but in the coming years the carrier plans a large-scale fleet re-equipment. By 2029, about 850 Lufthansa Group aircraft should receive high-speed satellite internet.

The first Lufthansa aircraft with Starlink was the Airbus A320neo with the registration number D-AINM, which is used on European routes.

The system is currently in the initial phase of implementation. By the end of 2026, Lufthansa plans to equip 10 more Lufthansa and Lufthansa City aircraft with Starlink.

The aircraft will not have to be specially removed from flights

The satellite equipment is planned to be installed during regular aircraft maintenance.

This approach will allow the airline to modernize the fleet without the need to separately decommission aircraft just to install new equipment.

After the initial phase is completed, the Lufthansa Group plans to significantly accelerate the re-equipment.

Starlink to be deployed on around 850 aircraft

By 2029, the group plans to equip around 850 aircraft in its fleet with satellite internet.

The programme is to cover Lufthansa, Lufthansa City, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti and Eurowings aircraft.

Thus, Starlink could become the standard internet access system for passengers of one of Europe’s largest aviation groups.

The internet is promised to be free

One of the main changes for passengers will be the model for accessing on-board Wi-Fi.

Lufthansa plans to provide Starlink at no additional charge, but passengers will need to log in via their Miles & More or Travel ID account to connect.

Registration in both systems is free.

After logging in, passengers will be able to use the on-board internet without purchasing a separate package, as is the case with the current Wi-Fi model on Lufthansa flights.

The large-scale implementation of Starlink should significantly change Internet access during flights: the satellite system is designed for a high-speed connection that allows you to use familiar online services even at an altitude of several thousand meters.