American Airlines has confirmed that it will install Starlink satellite internet on more than 500 new Airbus aircraft starting in 2027. The promise is clear: a stable connection throughout the flight, with latencies similar to those at home. This will allow passengers to browse, stream series, or work without interruptions, leaving behind the endless loading screens we all know so well.
How the low-latency satellite network works on aircraft 🛰️
Starlink uses a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to transmit data at high speed. Unlike traditional systems that rely on geostationary satellites (with latencies of 600 ms or more), these satellites orbit at about 550 km in altitude. This reduces latency to between 20 and 40 ms, enabling smooth video calls and 4K streaming. American Airlines will equip its Airbus A321XLR and similar models with specific antennas to receive the signal, without interference from weather conditions.
Now you can get lost on social media at 10,000 meters altitude 📱
The good news is that by 2027, you'll be able to watch your favorite series without it freezing right at the key kiss. The bad news: your boss will also be able to send you emails at 35,000 feet. That said, at least you'll have the perfect excuse to ignore your seatmate: put on your headphones, open Netflix, and say you're testing the latency. All in the name of science.