Cebu Pacific to become first SEA low-cost carrier with Starlink Wi-Fi

Cebu Pacific announced it will bring Starlink satellite internet service to its aircraft, making it the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to offer the connectivity system to passengers. The rollout is expected to begin in 2027.

Starlink, developed and operated by SpaceX, uses a network of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet. 

Onboard, the system is designed to support activities such as streaming, online gaming, and video calls, giving passengers a broadband experience similar to what they’d get on the ground. Cebu Pacific said the technology is also expected to improve connectivity for its flight crews and operational teams, which could help streamline day-to-day operations.

The move is part of a larger, coordinated effort across airlines under the Indigo Partners investment portfolio. Along with Cebu Pacific, Frontier Airlines in the United States, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico, and JetSMART in South America all plan to install Starlink across their fleets, with the group aiming to equip more than 1,000 aircraft in total. Combined, it’s one of the largest commitments any airline group has made so far to next-generation inflight Wi-Fi.

Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners, said the goal is to give passengers across the five carriers dependable, fast internet access as part of their overall flying experience.

For Cebu Pacific specifically, the addition of Starlink fits into a broader push to modernize its passenger offerings while keeping fares low. 

Xander Lao, the airline’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the update reflects a shift in what travelers now expect from air travel, noting that staying connected has become less of a luxury and more of a standard expectation. He added that the airline intends to keep its focus on affordability even as it introduces new technology like Starlink.

Cebu Pacific has built its reputation over nearly three decades on a low-fare business model, and currently operates a fleet of 100 aircraft, one of the youngest in the world, serving 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline has carried more than 250 million passengers since it began operations in 1996.

The Starlink rollout adds to a growing trend among airlines worldwide investing in satellite-based Wi-Fi systems as a way to differentiate their service and meet rising passenger expectations for connectivity, even on budget carriers traditionally known for stripped-down amenities.

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