Southwest Airlines (LUV.US) plans to deploy SpaceX Starlink Wi-Fi across all routes, keeping pace with industry peers

LootboxPhobia · 2026-02-12T03:24:18+00:00

Southwest Airlines announces that it will rapidly deploy Elon Musk's Starlink Wi-Fi service on its aircraft, planning to upgrade 300 planes by the end of the year. Starlink offers faster, more stable internet connectivity, attracting partnerships with multiple airlines. This move is also a significant adjustment under shareholder pressure, as Southwest Airlines begins charging for checked baggage to better meet market demand.

LootboxPhobia

2026-02-12 03:24:18

Abstract generation in progress

The Wall Street Journal APP has learned that Southwest Airlines (LUV.US) in the United States announced that it will quickly equip its aircraft with Elon Musk’s Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi service, officially joining the ranks of major airlines.

The company stated in a Wednesday release that it plans to deploy SpaceX satellite internet service on over 300 aircraft by the end of this year, with the first Starlink-equipped flight scheduled to operate this summer.

This move makes Southwest Airlines the latest airline to adopt Starlink. In the rapidly growing in-flight Wi-Fi market, SpaceX has quickly gained market share, with partner airlines including Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines (UAL.US).

For a long time, traditional in-flight Wi-Fi signals have been unstable and poor in quality, often criticized by passengers. Starlink, with its faster and more stable connection experience, is increasingly favored by airlines. The technology relies on thousands of low Earth orbit satellites to transmit data. Compared to traditional providers with fewer satellites and higher orbital distances, Starlink offers significantly improved speed and stability.

For Southwest Airlines, this move is another major adjustment following pressure from its aggressive investor, Elliot Investment Management, which is now one of Southwest’s largest shareholders.

Previously, Southwest distinguished itself from competitors like Delta (DAL.US) and American Airlines (AAL.US) with features such as free checked baggage and no fixed seat assignments. Now, the airline has begun charging for checked baggage and has introduced reserved seat services.

The growth of Starlink’s business has also continued to boost the valuation of SpaceX, the world’s most valuable private company. Reports indicate that the rocket launch service provider recently acquired Elon Musk’s AI company xAI, aiming to build a space data center, with the merged company targeting a public listing later this year.

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