Starlink high-speed internet for SWISS passengers

SWISS is upgrading its fleet with high-speed internet by Starlink as part of a programme piloted by the Lufthansa Group.

Partnership:
SWISS International Air Lines has teamed up with SpaceX’s Starlink to provide high-speed, low-latency internet onboard its aircraft.

Rollout:
Installation will begin in 2026, with the first aircraft equipped by the end of the year.

Fleet Coverage:
The service will gradually expand across SWISS’s long-haul fleet, ensuring global connectivity for passengers.

What Passengers Can Expect
- Speed: Broadband-level internet, fast enough for streaming, video calls, and real-time applications.
- Latency: Much lower than traditional satellite systems, thanks to Starlink’s low-Earth orbit constellation.
- Access: Passengers will be able to connect seamlessly during flights, enhancing both business productivity and leisure experiences.

Industry Context
- SWISS joins other major carriers (like Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and airBaltic) that have already adopted Starlink.
- This marks a shift in inflight connectivity from slow, expensive Wi-Fi to true broadband in the sky.
- Airlines see this as a way to differentiate passenger experience and meet rising expectations for always-on connectivity.

Leadership Perspective
- SWISS emphasized that this move is part of its digital transformation strategy, aiming to offer passengers the same connectivity standards they enjoy on the ground.
- Starlink highlighted the ability to deliver consistent coverage over oceans and remote regions, a major advantage for long-haul flights.

This rollout positions SWISS as a leader in inflight digital innovation, bringing ground-level internet quality to the skies.