SAS to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi for sky-high streaming
February 6, 2025
SAS, the Scandinavian, Danish and Norwegian flag carrier, is the latest airline to announce it will introduce free, next-generation, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet. The phased rollout is due to take place at the end of 2025.
With passengers increasingly seeking the same, seamless WiFi connection in the air as they can access on the ground, SAS is enhancing its inflight connectivity with the introduction of Starlink’s high-speed WiFi. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and currently largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide SAS passengers high-speed, low-latency internet while onboard for free.
Starlink’s aeroterminals are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption supporting SAS’ broader sustainability initiatives while its seamless, multi-device compatibility supports multiple devices simultaneously.
Joining the Starlink club
Hawaiian Airlines was first out the gate to launch Starlink, rolling out the WiFi connectivity on its fleet of Airbus A321neo and A330 aircraft last October. Qatar Airways swiftly followed suit, getting the system up and running on its Boeing 777-300ER twinjets in the same month and is aiming to have the connectivity solution available on all its commercial aircraft within two years.
WestJet also announced in July 2024 that it was teaming up with digital solutions provider TELUS to bring Starlink’s high-speed inflight Wi-Fi offering on board across its fleet of narrowbody aircraft by the end of 2025 and its widebody fleet by the end of 2026.
Air France, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, JSX, Air Baltic and Zipair have all also announced deals with Starling.
SAS announced its plans to roll the technology out on 27 January this year, with chief commercial officer, Paul Verhagen, saying: “We’re putting an end to frustrating interruptions and ushering in a new era of connectivity. Whether flying over the Atlantic or the North Sea, our passengers can now count on a connection that is as stable and seamless as it is fast. This is about giving our customers the best and ensuring SAS remains synonymous with excellence.”
In contrast to the current system that activates only after takeoff and disconnects during descent, with Starlink passengers will enjoy WiFi connectivity from the moment they board until they disembark. “We’re especially proud that Starlink can offer connectivity for passengers that’s as good if not better than at their homes while flying across the Atlantic, North Sea and North Pole, which historically had been challenging for in-flight internet.”
This is a game-changer for our travellers, added Verhagen. “Gate-to-gate connectivity isn’t just an improvement – it’s a breakthrough in convenience and reliability. It gives our customers the freedom to work seamlessly, stay connected and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment throughout their flight.”
