Air France partners with Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer high-speed WiFi
Comprehensive coverage will be free of charge for all passengers
The service will begin rollout in summer 2025
Lukas Wunderlich / Shutterstock
National carrier Air France will offer high-speed WiFi on some services from summer 2025 onwards, thanks to a new partnership with satellite company Starlink.
The upgrade will gradually roll out on routes from this point onwards, including on regional flights, and will be available free of charge for all ticket holders.
The new link will provide “ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a ‘ground-like’ experience,” the airline said in a press release earlier last week.
“During the flight, customers will be able to easily stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world's news live, play video games online, and of course stream TV, films, and series.”
“The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously,” it added.
The carrier also recently announced that as part of a trial, complimentary meals would be replaced with a paid à la carte menu on some European services.
Read more: Air France to test charging for meals on some flights
Connection with Starlink
Despite being free, the service will require users to log into their account with the airline, called Flying Blue.
If passengers do not have an account, they can set one up for free after boarding.
First class passengers will be able to access the service directly, without logging in.
The WiFi will be provided via connection with Starlink satellites.
Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, owns the world’s largest number of low-orbiting satellites, meaning planes will be able to connect to the WiFi almost anywhere (except in certain zones where internet restrictions apply).
Hawaiian Airlines already announced a similar partnership which began in February 2024, and major American carrier United Airlines recently announced a partnership with SpaceX (also owned by Elon Musk) to provide high-speed Wifi for passengers.
Read more: Is Starlink a good option for internet access in rural France?
During the transitional period, planes not yet equipped with the technology will continue to provide a free ‘Message Pass’ (WiFi for using messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger) for Flying Blue members. Paid WiFi will still be on offer for other passengers.
