Passengers flying with Cebu Pacific could soon stay connected throughout their journey, as the Philippine low-cost carrier plans to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi on its aircraft from 2027.
The airline announced the plan on Tuesday, saying it will work with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to provide high-speed and low-latency internet during flights. Cebu Pacific is expected to become the first low-cost airline in Southeast Asia to offer Starlink connectivity to passengers.
The service is designed to support everyday online activities, including browsing, messaging, video calls, high-definition streaming and online gaming. This could make long flights a little easier for passengers who want to catch up on work, watch entertainment or simply stay in touch with friends and family.
“Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an expectation for today’s travellers, and we’re excited to bring that experience to our guests,” said Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific.
Unlike traditional in-flight Wi-Fi systems, Starlink uses a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The system is designed to provide faster connections with lower latency, which is particularly useful for activities that require a more responsive internet connection.
Cebu Pacific said the technology will not only benefit passengers. The airline also plans to use the connectivity to support its flight crews and operational teams, allowing for better real-time communication and potentially helping improve the efficiency of onboard and ground operations.
Part of a Wider Starlink Rollout Across Low-Cost Airlines
Cebu Pacific’s Starlink plans are part of a much larger agreement involving US-based private equity firm Indigo Partners and several airlines in its global portfolio.
Under the agreement, Starlink will be installed across more than 1,000 aircraft operated by airlines including Frontier Airlines in the United States, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico and JetSMART in South America. It is one of the largest deployments of satellite internet across a group of airlines.
Indigo Partners managing partner Bill Franke said the service would give the group’s airlines reliable, high-speed connectivity while helping improve the passenger experience.
The move also reflects a wider change in the airline industry. As travellers increasingly expect to remain connected while flying, carriers are looking for alternatives to older in-flight internet systems. Low-Earth orbit satellite networks have emerged as one option for providing faster and more consistent connectivity.
For Cebu Pacific, the introduction of Starlink comes as the airline continues to expand its fleet and network. The carrier currently operates 101 Airbus and ATR aircraft, serving 35 domestic destinations and 26 international cities.
The airline also carried around 14.5 million passengers in the first half of the year, up from 13.9 million during the same period a year earlier.
For travellers, the biggest change will be simple: from 2027, Cebu Pacific passengers may be able to stay online in the air without having to wait until landing to catch up on messages, work or entertainment. More details about the rollout, including which aircraft and routes will receive the service first, are expected as the launch gets closer.
