Frontier Airlines announced Tuesday that it plans to introduce high-speed inflight internet powered by SpaceX’s Starlink beginning in early 2027, marking a major upgrade for the ultra-low-cost carrier as it continues investing in new amenities aimed at attracting travelers.
The Denver-based airline said its first Starlink-equipped Airbus aircraft is expected to enter service early next year. Frontier said it will become the first U.S. airline to offer passengers access to Starlink’s satellite internet through a new system managed directly by Starlink.
Engineered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet capable of supporting activities such as video streaming, online gaming, web browsing and remote work during flights.
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The rollout is part of a broader deployment across airlines backed by private equity firm Indigo Partners, which also includes Wizz Air, Volaris, JetSmart and Cebu Pacific. Together, the carriers expect to install Starlink across more than 1,000 aircraft, one of the largest commitments to next-generation inflight connectivity announced to date.
“Starlink will provide our portfolio airlines with reliable, high-speed connectivity, further enhancing the customer experience of flying on Wizz, Frontier, Volaris, JetSMART and Cebu,” Indigo Partners Managing Partner Bill Franke said in a statement.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULCC | FRONTIER GROUP HOLDINGS INC | 6.58 | +0.18 | +2.81% |
| SPCX | SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. | 135.75 | -0.33 | -0.24% |
Beyond passenger connectivity, Frontier said the system will provide gate-to-gate internet access for pilots, flight attendants, maintenance crews and ground personnel, helping improve operational efficiency and customer service.
Frontier CEO Jimmy Dempsey said the investment reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance the travel experience while maintaining its low-fare business model.
“We’re continuing to invest in the products and services that matter most to our customers,” Dempsey said. “Starlink transforms the onboard experience, giving customers the flexibility to work, stream, browse, and stay connected throughout their journey.”
The announcement comes as Frontier expands its offerings beyond its traditional ultra-low-cost model. The airline has previously announced plans to introduce first-class seating and enhance its loyalty program as it competes for higher-value travelers.
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Financial terms of the Starlink agreement were not disclosed.
FOX Business reached out to Frontier Airlines and SpaceX for additional comment.
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