Frontier Airlines will debut in-flight satellite internet from SpaceX's Starlink next year, joining other carriers in adopting the service.
2:18 PM
Frontier Airlines announced Tuesday that it will introduce in-flight Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service in early 2027, marking the carrier's first offering of such connectivity to passengers.
The airline's first Airbus aircraft equipped with Starlink internet will roll out during the first quarter of next year. Frontier currently does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi service to its customers.
A Frontier spokeswoman declined to specify whether passengers will have free access to the Wi-Fi service or whether charges will apply.
The deal represents another commercial win for Starlink's satellite internet business, which has secured agreements with multiple major carriers. United Airlines and American Airlines are among the large carriers that have signed deals with Starlink to provide in-flight connectivity.
Frontier is one of five budget carriers participating in the Starlink rollout, with the group collectively operating more than 1,000 aircraft. The carriers are scheduled to debut the satellite internet service in early 2027.
CNBC reported in 2022 that Frontier was in discussions with Starlink regarding the addition of in-flight Wi-Fi service to its fleet. The announcement Tuesday confirms the progression of those earlier talks into a formal agreement.
Amazon announced acquisition of Globalstar to accelerate its Leo satellite project and compete with Starlink's internet and mobile services.
A Frontier Airlines Airbus A321neo struck a pedestrian during takeoff Friday night, causing a brief engine fire that forced the aircraft to abort its flight to Los Angeles.
Comcast will separate its broadband and wireless business from NBCUniversal and Sky media operations in a tax-free spinoff expected to complete within a year.
Joby Aviation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are launching a pilot program of electric vertical takeoff and landing flights.
Elon Musk aims to send rockets to the moon and Mars before 2026 ends, with Tesla Optimus robots preparing infrastructure for human habitation.
The German airline is reducing short-haul flights through October due to surging jet fuel costs caused by Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure.