AER LINGUS IS set to roll out free wi-fi for all passengers on US and European routes after a deal struck between its parent company and Elon Musk’s Starlink.

International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced it will implement Starlink-enabled high speed wi-fi connectivity on Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL and Vueling aircraft, with the first aircraft due to go live with the service early next year.

IAG said download and upload speeds in the skies will be as good or better than home connectivity.

The wi-fi partnership with Starlink will be implemented on more than 500 aircraft across IAG’s airlines covering short-haul journeys in Europe as well as long-haul transatlantic routes.

Starlink is a wi-fi provider that is powered by an advanced satellite constellation that orbit much closer to Earth than those used traditionally.

This can provide even the most isolated areas with a reliable and fast internet connection.

Starlink is owned by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk.

Aer Lingus said Starlink wi-fi will begin to be installed on aircraft serving North American and European routes within the next 12 months and will be made available free of charge to customers.

Aer Lingus currently has wi-fi connectivity on some routes but only business class customers and AerClub Concierge members get free access.

Meanwhile, the download and upload speeds will be much quicker when provided by Starlink.

Currently, the wi-fi on Aer Lingus flights is for web browsing and emails, but the new Starlink provided wi-fi will allow for HD movies to be downloaded in around five minutes.

As of the end of 2024, the IAG fleet across all its airlines was 601.

All IAG aircraft that are not due for near-term retirement will receive the new wi-fi and implementation plans will vary by airline.