Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is bringing “high-speed Wi-Fi” to all classes of flyers across its entire fleet by the end of 2025, according to a press release by the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish carriers.
The innovation comes thanks to South African-born entrepreneur, Elon Musk, and his SpaceX Starlink constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. The network provides connectivity around the globe, even in remote or “challenging” locations such as the North Pole, over the Atlantic, and the North Sea, which are areas that previously have suffered disruptions in conventional satellite service.
“By introducing this new technology, we’re connecting our passengers to the world like never before,” Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS said in a statement, adding: “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.”
Free to Eurobonus flyers
While the service is being touted as “free”, the press release specifies that only “EuroBonus members will enjoy this premium feature at no cost.” Nonetheless, in an improvement on many current systems that only activate after take-off and disconnect during descents, the new Starlink-supplied Wi-Fi will be available to passengers “from the moment they board until they disembark.”
Hailing the service as “a gamechanger” Verhagen highlighted that the “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.”
What’s more, the Starlink service is provided through streamlined aeroterminals specially designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and therefore fuel consumption – features that align with the Scandi airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation goals.
From airlines to space stations
Other customers still prepared to do business with the controversial billionaire include United Airlines, which is due to start trialling Starlink Wi-Fi on its flights in February 2025, ahead of full roll-out by the end of the year.
And in proof of the service’s functionality even in challenging environments, California-based space company, Vast, announced in 2024 that its flagship commercial space station Haven-1, a world first, will also be equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink laser terminal, allowing crew to connect their personal devices, as well as permitting the operation of internal payload racks, external cameras and other instruments.
