EasyJet will begin installing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet on its fleet in the first half of 2027, with a full rollout expected by early 2028. The British budget airline, which carries 100 million passengers annually, joins Wizz Air as the second major European low-cost carrier to adopt the service.
The decision positions EasyJet ahead of Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, which has resisted Starlink amid a public dispute between its CEO and Musk. Ryanair has not yet committed to the technology, despite previously indicating openness to the option.
Starlink’s deployment will enable passengers to stream, browse, and access inflight services via their own devices. The service is managed by Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, and is typically offered free to passengers. EasyJet cited customer demand for connectivity and digital innovation as key drivers for the move.
Ryanair’s Stance and the Public Feud
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has been a vocal critic of Starlink, arguing that the technology’s aerodynamic drag would increase fuel costs and that passengers were unwilling to pay for inflight WiFi on short-haul flights. In January, O’Leary stated that Starlink’s installation would result in a 2% fuel drag, adding tens of millions of pounds to Ryanair’s annual fuel expenses.
Musk responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling O’Leary an “idiot” and suggesting that Ryanair would lose customers to competitors offering internet access. The exchange escalated into a public spat, with both CEOs exchanging insults. Ryanair later capitalized on the controversy by launching a "Big 'Idiot' Sale", offering discounted tickets.
Industry Context and Competitive Implications
The adoption of Starlink by EasyJet and Wizz Air reflects a broader trend in the airline industry. Lufthansa and British Airways have already installed the service, while United Airlines has deployed it on nearly half of its fleet in the U.S. The technology provides high-speed, low-latency internet, enabling features such as inflight streaming, app-based ordering, and real-time flight updates.
For EasyJet, the move aligns with its strategy to enhance customer experience and attract business travelers who prioritize connectivity. Kenton Jarvis, EasyJet’s CEO, emphasized the importance of staying connected in an increasingly digital world, stating that the service would benefit both leisure and business passengers.
Ryanair’s reluctance contrasts with its competitors’ embrace of Starlink, raising questions about its long-term competitive positioning. While O’Leary has framed the decision as a cost-saving measure, the absence of inflight WiFi may become a differentiating factor for passengers choosing between airlines.
Technical and Financial Considerations
Starlink’s satellite-based internet operates by beaming signals from a network of low-Earth orbit satellites, providing coverage even over oceans and remote areas. The system’s flat-panel antennas are installed on aircraft, minimizing drag compared to traditional satellite dishes.
EasyJet has not disclosed the financial terms of its agreement with Starlink, but the airline expects the full fleet conversion to be completed by early 2028. The rollout will begin with its modern A320, A320neo, and A321neo aircraft, ensuring compatibility with the latest inflight connectivity standards.
Ryanair has not provided an update on whether it will reconsider its stance, leaving its position on Starlink unresolved as competitors advance with the technology.