Tourexpi
Lufthansa Group launches free Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleets
Lufthansa Group is beginning the rollout of a new high-speed in-flight internet service powered by Starlink. The first aircraft, a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo, will enter service with the system on 19 August 2026.
The new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi will be available free of charge to Miles & More members and Travel ID users in all travel classes. Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines will be among the first carriers to receive the technology, with the entire Group fleet scheduled to follow by 2029.
Around 850 aircraft to receive Starlink
Lufthansa Group plans to equip approximately 850 aircraft across its airlines with Starlink connectivity. The system uses low-earth-orbit satellites and is designed to provide sufficient bandwidth for video streaming, cloud-based work and other data-intensive applications.
According to the Group, the project will make it the largest airline group in Europe to introduce this type of high-speed satellite internet across its fleet.
“I am excited to announce the launch of the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi on board our Group aircraft,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group. “With it, we’re making high-speed internet an integral part of the travel experience – across all travel classes and on all Lufthansa Group airlines.”
By 2029, Vranckx added, all of the Group’s approximately 850 aircraft are expected to be equipped.
Rollout extends across Lufthansa Group airlines
In addition to Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, preparations are underway at ITA Airways, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines and Eurowings.
The project forms part of broader investment in new aircraft, onboard products and services across the Lufthansa Group.
Rules aim to keep cabins quiet
Passengers using the new service will have to accept specific terms of use. Audio and video content must be played through headphones, while voice calls, video calls and live streaming from the aircraft will not be permitted.
Lufthansa Group says the rules were developed on the basis of passenger surveys and are intended to balance fast connectivity with the comfort of other travellers.
The Wi-Fi service is sponsored by Mastercard, which already supported Lufthansa’s previous FlyNet product.
The first scheduled Lufthansa flight with Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink is set to operate on 19 August 2026.
Image Credit: © AI generated illustration
The most interesting news
Princess Cruises launches Blue Friday sale with discounts of up to 50 percent
The cruise line is offering reduced fares, additional savings and selected free third- and fourth-guest fares for bookings made by December 7
Turkish Airlines launches Chengdu flights, expanding its China network
Three weekly Boeing 787-9 services connect Istanbul with western China's major business and tourism hub, opening new travel opportunities between Türkiye and Sichuan province
Trinity Airways offers discounted flights between Taiwan and South Korea
The airline formerly known as T'way Air launches promotional fares across seven routes as it develops its new Selective Service Carrier strategy
Southeast Asian travelers discover new destinations in Japan, China and South Korea
Traveloka booking data reveals growing interest in Fukuoka, Jeju and lesser-known Chinese cities as travelers explore alternatives to established East Asian tourism hubs
Lufthansa receives 700th Airbus as new A350-1000 flagship prepares for Tokyo debut
The aircraft marks 50 years of cooperation with Airbus and introduces Lufthansa’s latest Allegris cabins and Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on long-haul flights
Thailand expands Balkan tourism links with new Sofia–Phuket flights
A new direct service from Bulgaria and a Romanian travel trade initiative aim to increase visitor arrivals and promote multi-destination holidays along Thailand’s Andaman coast
Bangkok Illuminates the Chao Phraya with Month-Long Light Festival
Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 transforms 19 riverside locations with projections, drone displays and cultural performances from 13 November to 13 December
Marella Cruises strengthens UK travel trade support with two appointments
TUI’s cruise brand introduces its first dedicated Key Account Manager and appoints a new Trade Training Manager to expand sales support and product training for travel agents
Waldorf Astoria plans to nearly triple branded residences portfolio by 2030
Hilton targets 34 residential properties worldwide, with new developments in Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia reflecting growing demand for luxury homes with hotel services
Spain seeks leading role in EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Madrid backs European plans for better destination management and digitalisation while calling for stronger measures on housing, employment and tourism funding
Marella Discovery 2 introduces four new venues as ship goes adults-only
TUI’s UK cruise line is adding private karaoke, an immersive speakeasy, a 1920s escape room and a creative retreat ahead of the 2027 season
Hyatt opens The Mindaro hotel near Portland International Airport
The 90-room lifestyle property forms part of a hospitality complex combining airport accommodation, restaurants and conference facilities
Emirates opens Dubai hospitality training centre to UAE businesses
The airline is making its $8 million training facility available to external organisations, offering courses in customer service, fine dining, gastronomy and leadership
Delta expands summer 2027 flights to US and Caribbean leisure destinations
New seasonal weekend routes and additional frequencies will improve access to national parks, coastal resorts and holiday destinations across North America
WTTC welcomes EU tourism strategy but calls for faster action on travel barriers
The global tourism body supports the European Commission’s new framework for sustainable growth while urging progress on border procedures, investment, digitalisation and workforce development
Dusit opens two hotels in Yangon, combining colonial heritage with modern hospitality
Thailand’s Dusit International takes over the historic Strand Hotel and introduces its ASAI lifestyle brand in Myanmar’s largest city
Jakarta to host major hospitality investment conference in January 2027
The 10th Hospitality Indonesia Conference will bring together more than 500 industry executives to discuss hotel investment, sustainable development, revenue management and travel technology
Spain’s tourism workforce exceeds 3.25 million as employment rises 5.4%
Tourism added more than 166,000 jobs in the third quarter of 2026, while permanent contracts and international employment continued to grow
IHG resorts in Indonesia launch hospitality leadership programme for local graduates
Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach introduce a fully funded two-year training initiative combining practical experience with international certification
Agoda survey finds growing demand for all-in-one travel booking across Asia
The 2027 Asia Travel Pulse shows that 61% of surveyed travellers are open to booking entire trips on one platform, while payment preferences and language support differ significantly between markets
Agoda highlights five lesser-known winter destinations across Asia
From Japan’s snow-covered forests to frozen lakes in China and mountain landscapes in Kashmir, alternative winter escapes offer experiences beyond established ski resorts
