American Airlines Signs Up for Starlink Wi-Fi, Boosting SpaceX’s IPO Prospects

American Airlines announced Tuesday it will begin outfitting more than 500 of its narrow-body Airbus jets with Starlink internet service starting early next year. The deal marks another big win for SpaceX’s satellite network, which has been aggressively signing up airlines and cruise lines.

The contract gives Starlink a clear advantage over rivals like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and established providers such as Viasat. Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites deliver broadband to both individual consumers and corporate clients, and the American Airlines agreement adds to a growing list of carriers already on board.

According to SpaceX’s IPO registration filing released last week, United Airlines, Southwest, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines (which recently merged with Hawaiian Airlines) have already equipped some planes with Starlink. American is the latest—though not all its jets will get the upgrade. The new Airbus A321XLR and A320neo models are covered, but Boeing aircraft are not part of this deal.

Still, the announcement provides fresh momentum for SpaceX as it prepares for its highly anticipated initial public offering next month—expected to be the largest in history. For Starlink, the only SpaceX unit generating substantial revenue, each new airline contract strengthens its market position and investor appeal.