Elon Musk’s Starlink in-flight internet to serve 10,000 aircraft by 2034: report

The number of aircraft connected to Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service from SpaceX looks set to grow to over 10,000 by the end of 2034, a new report shows. 

In a report from the UK-based provider of market intelligence services Valour Consultancy, released on May 7, 2025, the company noted that the in-flight connectivity industry is “undergoing a major transformation, largely fuelled by Starlink”. 

“The LEO satellite operator is shaking up the market with a high-performance IFC service, a fundamentally distinct go-to-market strategy, and powerful brand presence,” the report read. 

Since late 2022, Starlink has signed deals to provide internet on over 2,000 commercial aircraft. Senior Analyst David Whelan, author of the report, noted that more than 100 of these aircraft have already installed Starlink connectivity. 

Currently, major airlines like United Airlines, Qatar Airways, WestJet and Air France are using Starlink for in-flight internet. In 2025, SAS Scandinavian Airlines signed up too, and Emirates is likely to be announced as a new customer soon. 

Starlink’s ability to enable the rapid installation and deployment of its product has been “a huge strength for the company”, according to the report. The antenna can be set up in eight to 10 hours, far quicker than industry norms. Additionally, the satellite operator is ahead of schedule with several fleetwide deployments. 

Starlink is also expanding its certification status. By early 2025, it has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for the 737-800, A220, and E175. The A220 started Starlink in-flight service with airBaltic in February 2025. More models, such as the A320, are anticipated later this year. 

However, the report pointed out that “competition is coming”, with companies like Intelsat and Panasonic Avionics launching multi-orbit services. Additionally, new in-flight connectivity providers are emerging. For example, Hughes Network Systems secured a major contract with Delta Air Lines to implement its internet solution on many aircraft in November 2023. 

“There will certainly be a role in the market for multi-orbit services, particularly for airlines which operate routes which Starlink may find difficult to serve because of regulatory challenges”, Whelan observed. “Starlink’s service also typically comes with a premium price tag that not all airlines will be able to afford.” 

Valour Consultancy expects Starlink to capture 39% of the commercial aviation market by 2034, which translates to over 7,000 aircraft, and to serve more than 3,000 private jets by the same year, the report concluded. The post Elon Musk’s Starlink in-flight internet to serve 10,000 aircraft by 2034: report appeared first on AeroTime.

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