airBaltic Launches Starlink In-Flight Wi-Fi
Latvian-based airBaltic has become the first European airline to offer SpaceX’s Starlink in-flight internet onboard one of its Airbus A220-300 aircraft. On February 20, 2025, airBaltic invited AeroTime on a dedicated test flight to experience the new service firsthand at an altitude of approximately 32,800 feet (10 kilometers). The test flight, which showcased the airline’s commitment to cutting-edge connectivity, highlights how Starlink’s technology is revolutionizing in-flight internet across Europe.
Back on December 22, 2022, airBaltic signed a groundbreaking contract with SpaceX, marking a major milestone in the evolution of air travel. President and CEO Martin Gauss recalled the arduous journey to integrate Starlink under the rigorous oversight of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). “The journey was very difficult because we are in Europe under EASA regulations, and installing internet on an aircraft is a very complicated and long process,” he explained during the opening ceremony at Riga International Airport (RIX), where the service was officially unveiled on a flight featuring a custom Latvian artistic livery.
During the inaugural flight, which departed Riga at 19:45 local time and lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes, passengers experienced seamless connectivity from the moment they boarded. There were no login hassles, pop-ups, or extra charges—just a simple, reliable connection, similar to what users experience at home or at work. At the time of AeroTime’s testing, the Speedtest app recorded download speeds of 200.61 Mbps and upload speeds of 15.38 Mbps, allowing for smooth basic browsing, emailing, streaming, and even video calls.
Gauss emphasized that Starlink’s impressive performance is due to its network of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, which operate at an altitude of around 550 kilometers. “No aircraft without Starlink can replicate this speed because traditional satellites are positioned at about 36,000 kilometers,” he explained. The much closer orbit ensures that signals travel faster and with less latency, providing a significant advantage over conventional in-flight internet solutions.
Another key feature of the system is the lightweight Starlink antenna installed on the aircraft. Gauss noted that its minimal weight reduces aerodynamic drag compared to traditional satellite antennas, potentially saving millions in fuel costs over time. This innovative design not only enhances fuel efficiency but also contributes to lower operating costs and reduced emissions—a critical factor as airlines worldwide strive for greener operations.
As of February 4, 2025, Starlink reported that over 500 aircraft globally have active internet connections, with major airlines like Qatar Airways, Air France, and United Airlines also rolling out plans to equip their fleets with the service. airBaltic aims to be at the forefront of this technological shift; the airline plans to have half of its fleet equipped with Starlink internet by mid-2025 and to retrofit its entire A220-300 fleet with the system by the end of the year.
The introduction of Starlink in-flight internet marks a major step forward for airBaltic, reflecting the airline’s innovative approach and dedication to providing passengers with a state-of-the-art travel experience. With faster, more reliable connectivity at 32,800 feet, airBaltic is setting a new standard for in-flight digital experiences in Europe and beyond, ensuring that passengers remain connected no matter where their journey takes them.
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