WestJet has introduced an innovative new on-board Wi-Fi service. This groundbreaking service is enabled by Starlink, the satellite internet technology from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This remarkable addition to passenger service is now offered on 16 of WestJet’s almost 140 aircraft. Most importantly, it takes the in-flight connectivity experience for passengers to the next level. WestJet expects to complete hardware installations on its narrow-body fleet by year’s end. They are hoping to finish all installations on their wide-body aircraft well before 2027.
Starlink, widely recognized for its low-earth orbit constellation of satellites, currently operates the largest satellite network with more than 7,000 satellites in orbit. This technology is designed to deliver broadband internet to remote locations and airplanes more efficiently than traditional geostationary earth orbit satellites. With approximately five million subscribers, Starlink has gained federal certification in the United States and is rapidly expanding its services globally. Canada is the most populous market for Starlink outside the United States. Over half of Canada’s provincial and territorial governments rely on Starlink to provide their residents with basic internet access and emergency communications capabilities.
For WestJet, their decision to partner with Starlink fits perfectly with its ethos of delivering a beautifully guest experience. Josh Yeats, a representative from WestJet, emphasized the quality of service offered by Starlink, stating:
“Notably, we selected the vendor that offers the best guest experience.”
Additionally, by introducing Starlink-powered Wi-Fi, passengers can enjoy internet service at lightning-fast speeds. According to Yeats, the service will enable passengers to use their devices just as they would on the ground:
“WestJet Wi-Fi will soon deliver enough bandwidth for everyone on board to use their device like they would on the ground to stream content, play online games and more.”
Starlink has taken these advances far beyond long-haul transportation. It has already inked deals with major carriers like United Airlines and Air France. With global, low-latency coverage, Starlink is uniquely positioned to deliver aircraft broadband internet connectivity that is fast and reliable, everywhere. This technological edge is what makes the United States a global leader in aerospace.
