Lufthansa Group is preparing to launch a new generation of onboard internet connectivity, with the first commercial flight equipped with Starlink scheduled for August 19. The new “Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi” service will initially be available on a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo, before being gradually rolled out across the other airlines within the group.

The project covers approximately 850 aircraft, which is set to make Lufthansa Group the largest airline group in Europe to equip its fleet with Starlink satellite internet. Under the current plan, installation across all aircraft is expected to be completed by 2029.

Following Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines will be among the next carriers to receive the new equipment. ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings are also preparing to introduce the technology.

Starlink uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit, enabling significantly higher speeds and lower latency compared with older generations of satellite-based onboard internet. Lufthansa Group says the new service will support video streaming, cloud-based applications and other online services requiring higher bandwidth.

According to the group, connection speeds could in some cases exceed those passengers typically experience at home or in the office.

“With the introduction of the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi, high-speed internet becomes an integral part of the travel experience, across all travel classes and all Lufthansa Group airlines. By 2029, all of the Group’s approximately 850 aircraft will be equipped with this technology,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

The new internet service will be available free of charge to Miles & More members and Lufthansa Group Travel ID users, regardless of travel class.

At the same time, specific terms of use will apply and passengers will be required to accept them before connecting to the network. Lufthansa Group says the rules were developed based on passenger surveys. Headphones will be mandatory when playing audio or video content, while voice and video calls will not be permitted. Live streaming from onboard the aircraft will also be prohibited.

Mastercard is a partner in the project, continuing its cooperation with Lufthansa Group from the previous FlyNet internet service.

The introduction of Starlink forms part of Lufthansa Group’s broader investment programme, which also includes the acquisition of new aircraft, cabin modernisation and the development of new products and services. The aim is to provide a consistent internet connectivity experience across almost the entire group fleet, from short-haul narrowbody aircraft to long-haul jets.

The first Lufthansa Airbus A320neo equipped with the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink is expected to enter regular commercial service on August 19.