Frontier Airlines
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Frontier Airlines and four other low-cost airlines, with a combined fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft, are set to launch in-flight Wi-Fi early next year through Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. The agreements mark another notable expansion for Starlink in the aviation market.
Frontier said Tuesday that its first Airbus aircraft fitted with Starlink service is expected to enter operation in early 2027. CNBC reported in 2022 that the carrier had been in discussions with Starlink as it explored adding Wi-Fi for the first time.
A Frontier spokesperson declined to say whether passengers would be able to access the service at no cost. Several major airlines that have partnered with Starlink have made Wi-Fi free for members of their loyalty programs.
Frontier has been among the last major U.S. airlines to go without onboard Wi-Fi. Former CEO Barry Biffle had previously said the carrier was cautious about installing the equipment because of the added weight it would bring to its aircraft.
Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has reached agreements with more than 40 airlines worldwide, including United Airlines and American Airlines. The push comes as carriers invest more heavily in onboard connectivity and travelers increasingly expect internet service in the air to resemble what they have at home. The airlines did not disclose financial terms of the deals, and SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The airlines included in the latest Starlink rollout are Frontier, Mexico’s Volaris, European discount carrier Wizz, Chile’s Jetsmart and Cebu Pacific of the Philippines. All five have private equity firm Indigo Partners as an investor. Indigo is led by Bill Franke, a longtime airline investor.
Budget carriers have been under pressure to go upmarket as larger rivals post revenue growth from the front of the cabin, upending discounters’ once-profitable model of no-frills seating and amenities. Frontier is planning to debut first-class seats next year.
