Singapore Airlines just officially named SpaceX Starlink as its new satellite internet provider. The airline plans to bring fast, gate to gate internet speeds up to 1 Gbps per antenna to passengers starting in early 2027.
If you are flying on a long trip to places like New York or Los Angeles soon, this upgrade brings a big improvement to your time in the air. Older systems made basic web browsing feel very slow. Now, travelers can stream HD video on Netflix, make video calls, and play live games.
Why Singapore Airlines Chose Starlink Wi-Fi Upgrades
Right now, the airline offers free internet to everyone on board. The catch is that the current setup uses older technology that only delivers speeds between 4 and 9 Mbps. High delays in the connection cause sluggish loading times.
Starlink fixes this slow motion problem. Recent speed tests on Qatar Airways jets equipped with Starlink show connection speeds easily crossing 100 Mbps, with some people even recording 200 Mbps.
Aircraft Scheduled for the New Wi-Fi Fleet Refit
Singapore Airlines will install the new antennas on 53 planes in total. However, the airline will leave out a large portion of its fleet from this initial upgrade phase.
Singapore Airlines Fleet Inclusions
The installation team will focus on three specific aircraft types:
- 34 Airbus A350 Long Haul jets
- 7 Airbus A350 ULR jets
- 12 Airbus A380 jets
Notable Fleet Exclusions
Several modern planes will skip the upgrade for now.
- Boeing 777-300ER (these planes will retire soon)
- Boeing 787-10
- Boeing 737-8 MAX
- Airbus A350 Medium Haul
Here is a simple breakdown of the upcoming internet fleet updates.
| Aircraft Model | Starlink Upgrade Status | Typical Route Type |
| Airbus A350 ULR | Included | Ultra Long Haul |
| Airbus A380 | Included | Major Global Hubs |
| Airbus A350 Long Haul | Included | Long Haul International |
| Boeing 737-8 MAX | Excluded | Short Haul |
| Boeing 787-10 | Excluded | Regional |
| Boeing 777-300ER | Excluded | Phasing Out |
Also read – What is The Best US Airline Carrier? List from Top to Bottom
How to Get Free Wi-Fi on Singapore Airlines
British Airways recently offered free Starlink internet to every passenger without any special requirements. Singapore Airlines takes a slightly different approach.
- Premium Cabin Passengers: Anyone flying in Suites, First Class, or Business Class gets free, unlimited access automatically. PPS Club members also get instant free access in any seat.
- Economy and Premium Economy Passengers: You must have a KrisFlyer membership to use the internet for free.
- Non Members: If you do not have an account, you can sign up for free before your flight or while in the air using the onboard portal.
Rollout Timeline for High-Speed Internet
The installation timeline starts in the first quarter of 2027 and will wrap up by the end of 2029. This three year timeline is quite long for only 53 aircraft. The slow pace is likely tied to the planned cabin updates for the A350 fleet, which includes brand new seats and entertainment screens.
The first flights to get the new internet will probably be the ultra long flights to New York and Los Angeles. These business heavy routes are the perfect testing ground for high speed internet in the sky.
