British Airways recently announced a significant upgrade to its in-flight Wi-Fi services. The airline disclosed its plans to provide passengers with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi suitable for video streaming following a partnership between its parent company and Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Starting next year, British Airways will implement this technology on its flights as part of a larger £7 billion transformation initiative. The International Airlines Group, British Airways’ parent company, has inked a deal with Starlink to equip over 500 aircraft across its fleet with internet access.
Starlink, a satellite-based service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, operates a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. British Airways stated that travelers will soon enjoy free Wi-Fi access in any cabin without the need for a special login, a notable improvement from the limited Wi-Fi service currently available on most of its fleet.
The enhanced Wi-Fi offerings will range from basic text messaging, provided at no cost to loyalty program members, to premium packages enabling passengers to stream music, videos, and movies. These premium packages will be priced between £4.99 and £21.99 based on the duration of use.
Sean Doyle, the Chief Executive of British Airways, emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing customer experience through this partnership with Starlink. The implementation of Starlink on both short-haul and long-haul flights is described as a game-changer that will provide seamless connectivity for passengers throughout their journey.
In addition to the Wi-Fi upgrade, British Airways recently unveiled a new transatlantic route connecting London Heathrow to St Louis in Missouri. This route, set to commence on April 19, 2026, will operate four times weekly during the summer months.
Neil Chernoff, the Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, highlighted the significance of adding St Louis to the airline’s US network. As the only UK carrier offering direct flights to St Louis, British Airways aims to strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest, providing customers with convenient travel options to this vibrant destination.
British Airways, known for serving numerous American cities, views St Louis as its 27th American destination. This move positions British Airways as the sole UK airline offering direct flights to St Louis.
