Michigan flyers on American Airlines will soon get to stream and surf the web with Starlink Wi-Fi on a broader flight lineup come the new year.
The airline, which operates through several Michigan airports, including Detroit Metro, will add Starlink Wi-Fi to its mainline fleet of over 1,000 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft starting in early 2027, American Airlines announced in an Oct. 8 news release.
The move expands upon a previous spring announcement that the airline would add the satellite Wi-Fi service to more than 500 of its narrowbody planes starting in early 2027.
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"We’re thrilled to bring Starlink across American’s mainline fleet," said Lauren Dreyer, vice president of Starlink Business Operations
at SpaceX, in the release. "Customers will have fast, reliable internet from gate to gate, whether they are streaming, working, or staying connected to family and friends throughout their travel."
Here's what to know about Starlink on American Airlines.
Is American Airlines adding Starlink?
Yes, American Airlines will soon add Starlink Wi-Fi to more than 1,000 of its mainline aircraft, including its Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing narrowbodies and widebodies, the company said in the release.
"Our customers have told us that dependable connectivity can make a meaningful difference in how they spend their time in the air," said American Airlines' Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden in the release. "Whether they are livestreaming a favorite show, gaming, collaborating in real time on an important work deal, scrolling social media or online shopping, Starlink will give our customers countless options to make the most of their time while traveling. Just as importantly, it provides the foundation for future innovations that will further enhance the customer experience."
This marks an expansion from the airline's previous announcement in the spring that it would add Starlink Wi-Fi to its fleet of more than 500 Airbus jets starting in the first quarter of 2027.
When will American Airlines add Starlink to flights?
American Airlines will start installing Starlink on its mainline flights in early 2027, the release said.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, intended to offer low-cost internet access to remote areas, per Space.com.
Where does American Airlines operate in Michigan?
American Airlines operates at the following Michigan airports:
- Muskegon County Airport in Muskegon
- Capital Region International Airport in Lansing
- Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City
- Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus
- Flint Bishop International Airport in Flint
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids
- Gogebic-Iron County Airport in Ironwood
- Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Kalamazoo
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Want in-flight Starlink? Expanded access coming from American Airlines
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