Frontier Airlines to Install Starlink In‑flight Wi‑Fi by Early 2027
Frontier Airlines Inc. announced on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, that it will equip its aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite‑based internet service, with the first Airbus plane slated to begin offering the service in early 2027. This rollout adds Frontier to a growing list of carriers that have selected Starlink, joining Southwest Airlines Co. and United Airlines Holdings Inc. and thereby extending SpaceX’s competitive edge over Amazon.com Inc. in the aviation Wi‑Fi market.
"Starlink transforms the onboard experience, giving customers the flexibility to work, stream, browse, and stay connected throughout their journey," said Frontier Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Dempsey in an official statement.
Frontier will be among several low‑cost carriers adopting the technology; other budget airlines that have confirmed Starlink installations include Wizz Air Holdings Plc. in Europe, Mexico’s Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAB (Volaris), Chile’s JetSmart Airlines SpA, and the Philippine carrier Cebu Air Inc.
American Airlines Group Inc. announced in May that it will install Starlink on more than 500 aircraft, also targeting early 2027 for deployment. Alaska Air Group Inc. and Emirates have previously disclosed similar installation plans. In contrast, Delta Air Lines Inc. selected Amazon’s Leo service for Wi‑Fi, with rollout expected to start in 2028, and JetBlue Airways Corp. became the first airline to adopt Amazon’s offering in September of the prior year.
Ryanair Holdings Plc. Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary stated in January that Ryanair would not install Starlink, citing concerns about the additional fuel costs associated with the equipment. Frontier itself was one of the last U.S. carriers to add Wi‑Fi; former CEO Barry Biffle had previously indicated hesitation due to the added weight of the hardware.
Globally, Starlink has signed agreements with more than 40 carriers, underscoring its rapid expansion within the aviation sector.