IAG Explores Starlink Partnership For British Airways Amid Fierce Satellite Internet Competition

International Airlines Group (IAG) is in discussions with Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX, to introduce high-speed Wi-Fi services across its British Airways fleet. This move highlights the growing demand for reliable in-flight connectivity and the rapid expansion of Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation.

However, the final decision from IAG is still pending as the airline group explores options beyond the obvious choices. Amazon’s Kuiper Project, though yet to launch, is also being considered. According to a report in Bloomberg, Annalisa Gigante, IAG’s head of innovation, stated, “We are working a lot, both with Starlink and with Amazon’s Kuiper. We’ve got some really exciting things coming up, but that’s going to be for next year.”

Global airlines are increasingly seeking dependable internet solutions for passengers, and Starlink has emerged as a frontrunner in this race. According to Business Standard, Starlink has already secured deals with several airlines, including Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Air France, to install its satellite internet services. In September, United Airlines also announced a partnership with SpaceX, with plans to begin testing Starlink’s services in early 2025.

As competition heats up, more satellite internet providers are entering the market, vying for customers worldwide. Despite this, Starlink enjoys a significant advantage as a first mover in the industry. Its parent company, SpaceX, further strengthens its position with the ability to launch satellites using its reusable Falcon 9 rockets, drastically reducing costs. This in-house integration gives world's richest Elon Musk a competitive edge over rivals like Jeff Bezos’ Kuiper Project. Bezos’ space venture, Blue Origin, is also developing reusable rockets, such as the highly anticipated New Glenn, which could challenge SpaceX in the future.

Still, the gap is significant. Starlink already has over 6,000 satellites in orbit, and SpaceX continues to expand the constellation almost weekly. While Starlink’s rapid growth has been groundbreaking, it hasn’t been without controversy. The service was notably used by Ukrainian soldiers during their fight against Russia, raising questions about its implications in geopolitical conflicts.