Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 8, International Airlines Group (IAG) has signed an agreement to implement SpaceX’s Starlink in-flight connectivity (IFC) across more than 500 aircraft spanning its five airlines: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling. The deal, announced on Thursday, positions IAG to have more aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi than any other European airline group and represents a significant milestone for Starlink’s IFC business, which already serves European carriers including Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and SAS.

“The introduction of high-speed Wi-Fi from Starlink will transform onboard connectivity, improving both the connection speed and reliability for customers,” said IAG CEO Luis Gallego. “Customers from all IAG airlines will be able to benefit from the service from next year. This demonstrates how IAG is working together as a group, to drive innovation and secure major deals to benefit all our stakeholders.”

British Airways confirmed that it will provide the service free of charge to all passengers, regardless of cabin class. The airline highlighted that the rollout is part of its broader £7 billion ($9 billion) transformation program, which includes investments in new aircraft, lounges, and technology aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience and improving on-time departures.

“Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate-to-gate. Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors,” said British Airways CEO Sean Doyle.

Iberia also confirmed it will provide Starlink connectivity free of charge for its passengers. The rollout is expected to begin next year, initially on selected aircraft, with the goal of covering the full fleet over time.

The agreement underscores IAG’s commitment to technological innovation and enhancing passenger experience through digital transformation. By partnering with Starlink, the airline group aims to deliver fast, reliable internet service in-flight, meeting rising passenger expectations for continuous connectivity.

The implementation will span both short-haul and long-haul flights, allowing passengers to stay connected for work, communication, and entertainment throughout their journey. With this upgrade, IAG’s airlines are set to become leaders in European in-flight connectivity, offering passengers a seamless digital experience comparable to high-speed broadband on the ground.

This initiative also reflects the growing trend of airline groups collaborating with satellite internet providers to enhance their service offerings, positioning IAG at the forefront of in-flight technology adoption in Europe. The partnership is expected to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty, and differentiation across the group’s airline brands.