NEW YORK — Frontier Airlines announced Tuesday that it plans to offer in-flight Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, with installation across its fleet set to begin in early 2027.
The Denver-based carrier holds the distinction of being the first ultra-low-cost U.S. airline to partner with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company is currently competing against Amazon’s Kuiper to sign up airlines as customers for in-flight internet service.
Across the airline industry, carriers are increasingly adding premium features to stand out from the competition. For Frontier, the Starlink announcement comes on the heels of other upgrades, including the addition of first-class seating and changes to its loyalty program — both aimed at attracting travelers who spend more.
“We’re continuing to invest in the products and services that matter most to our customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Dempsey in a written statement.
The airline did not reveal the financial details of the agreement. Installing Starlink technology can be a significant expense, potentially reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars for airlines with large fleets.
Frontier is one of five airlines in the Indigo Partners portfolio that plan to equip more than 1,000 aircraft combined with Starlink.
However, not every budget airline is on board with the idea. Ryanair and EasyJet have both raised concerns about the costs of in-flight connectivity, underscoring an ongoing debate about whether premium offerings can bring in enough extra revenue to make the investment worthwhile for low-cost carriers.
Starlink’s network relies on thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit, which typically deliver faster speeds and lower lag times compared to older geostationary satellite systems.
