American Airlines has signed a contract with SpaceX to equip more than 500 narrowbody aircraft with Starlink satellite internet service. The rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The airline announced the agreement on Tuesday. It covers the carrier's Airbus fleet and will allow passengers to access high-speed Wi-Fi on those planes starting early next year. American said it has no plans to switch providers on its widebody aircraft, which currently use Viasat and Panasonic systems.
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United Airlines updated its Contract of Carriage on February 27, 2026, requiring passengers to use headphones for audio or video content on personal devices or face removal from flights and potential permanent bans. The policy, formalized as Wi-Fi expands via Starlink, addresses disruptive 'barebeating' and has drawn supportive reactions from passengers and crew.
The US Federal Communications Commission has ruled in favor of SpaceX, promising faster speeds, lower costs, and greater reliability for Starlink and other satellite services. The decision provides a sevenfold capacity boost for satellite internet providers.
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Starlink executives outlined plans for their next-generation V2 satellite constellation during a keynote at Mobile World Congress. The upgrade seeks to deliver speeds comparable to traditional 5G networks, reaching up to 150 Mbps under ideal conditions. This development includes enhanced coverage for polar regions and a partnership with Deutsche Telekom for European connectivity.
The Routes Americas 2026 Awards have announced their airline finalists, recognizing excellence in route development partnerships across the Americas. American Airlines, LATAM Airlines Group, and WestJet are shortlisted for the Airline Award, which highlights successful collaborations for profitable routes. Winners will be revealed at an event in Rio de Janeiro next March.
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American Airlines has introduced daily summer flights between New York John F. Kennedy Airport and Edinburgh, Scotland, using the Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The service operates through October 24, 2026, marking the first deployment of this plane on the route. This connection aims to improve travel options for tourism and business between the United States and Scotland.