The Lufthansa Group has announced plans to equip all 850 aircraft across its fleet with high-speed broadband internet from 2026, marking the largest rollout of next-generation in-flight connectivity by any airline group in Europe.
The upgrade will cover both existing aircraft and all new deliveries, with Starlink selected as the technology partner. Starlink is currently regarded as offering the fastest in-flight internet connection available, using low Earth orbit satellite technology to deliver performance comparable to ground-based broadband.
According to the group, the new system will significantly increase bandwidth and speed, enabling passengers to stream content, work via cloud-based applications and use other data-intensive services during flights.
The internet service will be offered free of charge to all status customers and Travel ID users, regardless of travel class, underlining the group’s focus on enhancing the premium passenger experience across its airlines.
With the scale of the rollout, Lufthansa Group will become the largest airline group in Europe to introduce state-of-the-art broadband connectivity. No other airline is currently planning to equip more aircraft with Starlink technology.
The partnership forms part of Lufthansa Group’s broader investment programme, which includes fleet renewal as well as premium product and service upgrades across the entire travel chain.
Commenting on the announcement, Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said the decision comes in the airline’s anniversary year, as Lufthansa marks its 100th birthday.
He said the introduction of Starlink connectivity represents a key milestone in the group’s premium strategy, adding that onboard connectivity has become an essential part of modern air travel. Vranckx noted that by investing in what the group considers the best product currently available, Lufthansa Group is also investing directly in passenger satisfaction.
The first aircraft equipped with the new high-speed internet solution are expected to enter service from 2026, with a phased rollout across the group’s airlines to follow.
