EasyJet Bets On Starlink Wi-Fi From 2027 As It Pushes Further Upmarket

Published Oct 26, 2026, 2:14 PM EDT Paul has had a career of 25+ years focused on the international technology sector, which has taken him to over 100 countries. Along the way, he developed a deep love for aviation, with a travel bucket list measured by aircraft types flown rather than destinations reached. Now he brings that avgeek passion, along with the journalism experience he accumulated early in his career, to write insightful pieces for Simple Flying. easyJet has announced plans to introduce high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its Airbus A320-family fleet from 2027, bringing in-flight internet connectivity to passengers for the first time. The agreement with SpaceX will allow travelers to browse, stream and work during flights, with installation expected to finish by early 2028. The move represents another step in easyJet's efforts to improve its passenger experience while retaining its low-cost business model. With European competitors taking contrasting approaches to connectivity, and a £5.7 billion ($7.5 billion) takeover by Apollo progressing, the announcement is another step in easyJet's increasingly premium positioning. EasyJet Will Introduce Starlink From 2027 Credit: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock The airline confirmed today that Starlink installations will begin in the first half of 2027, covering its Airbus A320, Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The rollout will cover over 300 aircraft, and is expected to be completed by early 2028, reaching around 100 million annual passengers. Notably, easyJet's older Airbus A319 fleet, which is set to be fully retired by 2029, is not included in the rollout. Passengers will be able to stream videos, play games and access websites through Starlink's low-Earth-orbit satellite network. Connectivity will also support flight updates, destination information and potentially onboard food ordering. However, easyJet has not yet confirmed whether internet access will be complimentary as part of its upcoming loyalty program, or will require additional payment. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis emphasized that the investment will strengthen the airline's competitive offering: "Bringing Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travelers want when they choose who they fly with." The announcement is particularly notable because it is a complete reversal for the airline. Earlier this year, easyJet ruled out a move to Starlink, saying the economics don't justify installation on relatively short European flights. Today's change of heart suggests that the Starlink costs might have been re-negotiated, and there is potentially more pressure from easyJet's prospective new owners to move towards premium onboard Wi-Fi. How Does EasyJet Compare With Its European Rivals? Credit: SON-Media | Shutterstock In-flight connectivity remains relatively uncommon among European budget airlines. According to CAPA, only 21% of Europe's short- and medium-haul jets offered any form of internet access in January 2026. The gap with North American carriers reflects Europe's shorter average flight times, as well as the reluctance of budget airlines to absorb installation, maintenance and additional fuel costs for a service passengers may be unwilling to pay for. However, the landscape is changing rapidly, with easyJet and Wizz Air now moving ahead with Starlink rollouts. This will likely put pressure on competitors to follow suit, and could substantially increase connectivity across European fleets from 2027. For now though, there are a number of notable holdouts among the top ten European low-cost carriers. Airline Current Wi-Fi / Announced Plans Provider / Technology Ryanair No Wi-Fi; rejected Starlink over costs None easyJet Starlink rollout announced for 2027 Starlink Wizz Air Starlink rollout announced for 2027 Starlink Vueling Wi-Fi on 80+ aircraft; complimentary access and paid options Viasat Norwegian Free basic Wi-Fi and paid faster access on equipped 737-800s Anuvu Eurowings Paid Wings Connect internet on selected aircraft Inmarsat/Viasat connectivity Pegasus Airlines No Wi-Fi None Jet2 No Wi-Fi None Transavia No Wi-Fi None Volotea No Wi-Fi None Ryanair remains the most prominent holdout, with CEO Michael O'Leary arguing that installation and additional fuel costs outweigh passenger demand. Conversely, Wizz Air is pursuing Starlink, while Vueling already offers connectivity through Viasat. Vueling reported more than one million complimentary Wi-Fi sessions by April, demonstrating measurable passenger interest. Is EasyJet Becoming A Premium Low-Cost Airline? Credit: odecam | Shutterstock EasyJet's investment in Starlink comes as the airline prepares for its £5.7 billion takeover by Apollo Global Management, but its move upmarket was already underway. In its July 2026 trading update, easyJet explicitly identified premiumization and business travel as opportunities to generate additional revenue. The airline is increasingly targeting higher-spending passengers without abandoning its low-cost model. Several initiatives illustrate this strategy, from greater flexibility for frequent flyers to luxury package holidays. The airline is also preparing to launch a new loyalty program during FY2027, building on an existing customer base in which 71% of bookings come from returning passengers. Initiative How It Supports EasyJet's Move Upmarket Starlink Wi-Fi Adds high-speed internet to appeal to business travelers accustomed to full-service airlines. Loyalty program Launching in FY2027, encouraging frequent flyers to consolidate bookings with easyJet. Smart Bundles Packages preferred seating, baggage and priority boarding, providing greater convenience. Flex Pass Offers greater booking flexibility, appealing to business travelers whose schedules frequently change. easyJet Plus Provides benefits such as Fast Track security, Speedy Boarding and seat selection. Business travel strategy Targets higher-yield corporate customers through flexible products and flight frequency. easyJet Holidays Luxury Collection offers five-star hotels, private transfers, priority boarding and generous baggage allowances. Given the low penetration of in-flight Wi-Fi in Europe, Starlink will undoubtedly strengthen easyJet's differentiation. It is therefore another tool to compete for business travelers while generating additional revenue from passengers willing to pay for a more comprehensive travel experience.