American Airlines will install Starlink internet service from SpaceX on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft, starting in the first quarter of 2027. The rollout will cover domestic flights and short-haul international routes, marking a new step in the carrier’s in-flight connectivity strategy.
The airline said the move is aimed at improving Wi-Fi speed and reliability on its single-aisle fleet, including future Airbus A321neo and XLR aircraft. American already offers free Wi-Fi to loyalty members through a partnership with AT&T, and the Starlink agreement will add another connectivity option on board.
The company did not disclose financial terms. American’s narrowbody fleet includes aircraft used on high-frequency domestic services and short-haul international markets, where in-flight internet has become a key customer service feature.
Starlink continues to expand in aviation as airlines look for lower-latency satellite connections than traditional systems. American’s decision adds one of the largest U.S. carriers to the list of operators adopting the LEO-based service for passenger connectivity.