SAS has completed the installation of Starlink on its entire Airbus A320neo fleet. A total of 81 aircraft have been equipped with fast satellite Wi-Fi in six months. This means that the service is now available on a large portion of SAS flights within Europe.
SAS began installing Starlink in March and has now equipped all 81 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The aircraft type accounts for around 70 percent of the total fleet and forms the backbone of SAS traffic within Scandinavia and Europe, according to the company.
The A320neo will also be the first aircraft type at SAS where the entire fleet has received Starlink.
The installations have been carried out in parallel with regular flight operations. Each aircraft has undergone installation, testing and approval before being returned to service.
“Today, the installation across our entire A320neo fleet is complete, in record time. By offering fast connectivity on these aircraft, many of our customers can have a better connected journey,” says Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.
Free for EuroBonus members
Starlink offers internet connectivity via low-orbit satellites. The technology is expected to provide higher speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite solutions for aviation.
For SAS EuroBonus members, the service is free through the airline's partnership with operator 3. The connection works from gate to gate and can be used for work, streaming and regular surfing, among other things.
“Being connected has become a natural part of everyday life, and that doesn't change when we board an airplane. With gate-to-gate connectivity, our customers have greater freedom to choose how they spend their travel time,” says Paul Verhagen.
More aircraft will receive Starlink
SAS is now moving forward with the next stage and preparing installations on the remaining aircraft types in the fleet.
Additional aircraft will be equipped with Starlink before the end of 2026. However, SAS does not state in the documentation when the entire fleet is expected to be fully equipped.
The rollout takes place during SAS's 80th anniversary and is part of the airline's investment in new technology and an improved passenger experience.
