Wizz Air to install Starlink on all 200+ aircraft in 2027

Wizz Air announced on Monday that it will equip its entire fleet with Starlink satellite internet, becoming the first European ultralow-cost carrier to commit to the high-speed connectivity service, with a fleet-wide rollout beginning in 2027. The Hungarian airline plans to install the technology on its more than 200 Airbus A320-family aircraft and all new deliveries, though it did not disclose the financial terms of the deal or whether passengers will be charged for access.

The move marks a significant bet on in-flight technology for a budget carrier, placing Wizz Air ahead of its largest European rivals. Both Ryanair and EasyJet have so far resisted adopting Starlink, citing prohibitive costs. Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, has previously estimated it could cost his airline up to 250 million euros annually, partly due to added weight and fuel drag from the rooftop antennas. EasyJet stated earlier this year that the economics were not yet favorable.

Wizz Air's chief commercial officer, Ian Malin, framed the investment as an extension of the airline's core philosophy. "Ultra-low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people," Malin...