easyJet have announced today that they are partnering with Space X’s Starlink to provide passengers with ultra-high-speed WiFi.
The low-cost carrier (LCC) say the investment will enable customers to use their own devices as they would at home, whether that’s taking a meeting, streaming a TV programme, or catching up with loved ones.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO at easyJet, said:
In an increasingly digital world, staying connected matters more than ever to many of our customers, whether that’s holidaymakers looking to unwind with inflight entertainment, or our business customers keeping up to speed with what’s happening on the ground.
Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travellers want when they choose who they fly with.
Through a constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink can keep internet users connected even at 30,000 feet. The service is owned by SpaceX, the space technology and exploration company founded by business mogul Elon Musk.
Full-service carriers such as Qatar Airways and United are already running Starlink WiFi across many aircraft for free, on condition that users sign up to the airline’s loyalty programme. In their announcement, easyJet did not specify whether passengers would have to pay for the service or not.
Earlier this year, Panama’s Copa Airlines became the first carrier to announce Starlink WiFi would be free only for customers in premium seats, or loyalty members of certain status. As an LCC without a loyalty programme, it is highly likely that easyJet will paywall high-speed WiFi to boost ancillary revenue.
European rivals Ryanair have previously dismissed the idea of investing in Starlink, with CEO Michael O’Leary arguing paying for the installation was incompatible with their low-cost model. This resulted in a highly publicised social media spat, with Elon Musk even calling for O’Leary to be sacked over his comments.
It’s been a busy year for easyJet: in August, they accepted an acquisition offer from US-based investment firm Apollo in a deal worth £5.7 million. The airline’s founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, said he was pleased with the company’s ‘strategic vision’ for easyJet as the carrier manages the impact of high fuel prices.
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