SAS Revolutionizes Air Travel with Free Starlink Wi-Fi
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), a leader in Northern European aviation, is revolutionizing in-flight connectivity by partnering with SpaceX’s Starlink to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology ensures fast, reliable internet across the globe, even in challenging areas like the North Pole and the Atlantic Ocean.
This move aligns with industry trends, as studies show passengers increasingly prioritize Wi-Fi. According to a 2023 Inmarsat report, 83% of travelers view in-flight connectivity as essential. SAS’s gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, available from late 2025, will allow seamless streaming, work, and communication, setting a new standard for air travel.
Additionally, Starlink’s lightweight, fuel-efficient terminals support SAS’s sustainability goals. This initiative underscores SAS’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and eco-friendly travel.
Reliable connectivity
Starlink delivers internet all around the world and leverages advanced satellites to provide connectivity across oceans and remote locations, including challenging regions like the North Pole, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea—areas previously affected by disruptions from conventional satellite services.
“By introducing this new technology, we’re connecting our passengers to the world like never before,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS. “We’re putting an end to frustrating interruptions and ushering in a new era of connectivity. Whether flying over the Atlantic or the North Sea, our passengers can now count on a connection that is as stable and seamless as it is fast. This is about giving our customers the best and ensuring SAS remains synonymous with excellence.”
SAS passengers will be able to enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity from the moment they board until they disembark, offering a significant improvement over the current systems that activate only after takeoff and disconnect during descent.
SAS Free in-flight Wi-Fi
“We’re excited to provide reliable, high-speed internet across the entire SAS fleet and help level up the in-flight experiences for passengers and crew from gate to gate,” said Jason Fritch SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales. “We’re especially proud that Starlink can offer connectivity for passengers that’s as good if not better than at their homes while flying across the Atlantic, North Sea and North Pole, which historically had been challenging for in-flight internet.”
“This is a game-changer for our travelers,” Verhagen adds. “Gate-to-gate connectivity isn’t just an improvement — it’s a breakthrough in convenience and reliability. It gives our customers the freedom to work seamlessly, stay connected, and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment throughout their flight.”
Smarter, more efficient, and lighter design
Starlink aeroterminals are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption, supporting SAS’ broader sustainability initiatives of driving the change for more sustainable air travel.
Seamless, multi-device compatibility
The service will support multiple devices simultaneously, allowing passengers to stay productive or entertained across smartphones, tablets, and laptops without compromise.
European Airlines and Starlink
European airlines like Air France and SAS are leading the charge in adopting Starlink for high-speed, low-latency in-flight Wi-Fi. Air France has already begun integrating Starlink, while SAS plans a fleet-wide rollout by late 2025. This shift reflects growing passenger demand for seamless connectivity, even over remote areas like the North Pole.
Beyond Starlink, Europe is advancing its own satellite infrastructure with IRIS2, the EU’s secure satellite communication system set to launch by 2027. IRIS2 aims to provide reliable connectivity for critical services, including aviation, enhancing Europe’s digital sovereignty.
As Starlink and IRIS2 expand, European airlines are poised to offer unparalleled in-flight internet, setting new standards for connectivity and passenger experience.