Sonali Tiwary
Sunita Somvanshi
Air France has begun equipping its aircraft with free high-speed internet through a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service. The airline has already installed the technology on four aircraft – two Embraer 190s and two Airbus A220s – with an Airbus A350 set to receive the upgrade soon.
The French carrier aims to have 30% of its fleet equipped with the service by the end of 2025 and complete the rollout across all aircraft by the end of 2026. However, Air France director Anne Rigail suggested in a LinkedIn post that all planes might have the technology in place by the end of next year, faster than the official timeline.
Free Access Requires Flying Blue Membership
The Wi-Fi service is completely free in all travel cabins but requires passengers to log in with a Flying Blue account, Air France-KLM’s frequent flyer program. Travelers without an account can create one for free during their flight “in just a few clicks,” making the service accessible to all passengers.
The new system supports multiple devices simultaneously, allowing travelers to use smartphones, tablets, and laptops to stay connected. Passengers can stream TV shows and movies, follow news in real time, play multiplayer video games, and message friends and family while in the air.
Better Connection Through Low-Earth Orbit Satellites
Starlink provides faster and more reliable connections than traditional in-flight Wi-Fi because its satellites orbit much closer to Earth. While many airlines offer internet access, connections are often slow because satellites are typically positioned far above aircraft. Starlink currently has around 8,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, creating a more responsive network.
“Air France has partnered with Starlink, the global leader in connectivity,” the airline stated. “Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet, powered by a vast network of satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide reliable in-flight connectivity.”
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Part of Broader Customer Experience Upgrade
The Wi-Fi rollout is part of Air France’s €1 billion investment in improving customer experience, which includes upgrades to cabins, waiting areas, food services, and in-flight entertainment.
During the transition period before all aircraft are equipped, the airline will continue to offer its existing internet connection on planes without the new Starlink service. This includes a free “messaging” pass for Flying Blue members and paid options for other internet uses.
Industry Trend Toward Better Connectivity
Air France joins several other airlines adopting Starlink technology, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and airBaltic. The move shows a growing industry trend toward offering faster, free Wi-Fi as airlines compete for passengers.
Coverage Limitations
While the service promises ground-like speeds, Air France notes that “restrictions may apply when flying over certain countries.” This important caveat means passengers should expect potential service interruptions during international flights, depending on the route and countries being overflown.
For rural areas in France, Starlink already offers internet service to ground users, particularly targeting those in remote locations with limited connectivity options. Unlike the in-flight service, ground-based Starlink requires users to purchase equipment and pay a monthly subscription.The progressive rollout marks the first time Air France will offer high-speed Wi-Fi on its regional aircraft, extending connectivity across its entire fleet by 2026.
