SpaceX’s Starlink nabs American Airlines contract, another win for its IPO

The first StrictlyVC of 2026 hits SF on April 30. Tickets are going fast. Register now. Get Disrupt Early Bird savings of up to $410 by May 29, 11:59 p.m. PT. Register now. TechCrunch Desktop Logo TechCrunch Mobile Logo LatestStartupsVentureAppleSecurityAIApps EventsPodcastsNewsletters SearchSubmit Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest American Airlines said Tuesday it plans to install Starlink on more than 500 narrow-body Airbus aircraft beginning early next year, the latest carrier to pick the SpaceX unit for inflight Wi-Fi service. The deal provides more than just financial lift for Starlink, the satellite communications network and the only SpaceX business unit that generates meaningful revenue. It also hands SpaceX a win over the competition — such as Amazon Leo and other legacy providers like Viasat. Starlink satellites use a low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet for consumers as well as enterprise customers like American Airlines. The company has pursued contracts with airlines and cruise operators with some success. United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines (which merged with Hawaiian Airlines) have equipped some aircraft with Starlink, according to SpaceX’s IPO registration filing that was released last week. American Airlines is the latest, although not all of its aircraft will get the Starlink upgrade. The ​airline’s new ​Airbus A321XLR and A320neo aircraft will get Starlink; its Boeing aircraft are not part of this agreement. Still, it provides another tailwind for SpaceX in the lead up to its highly anticipated IPO next month, which is projected to be the largest in history. StrictlyVC Athens is up next. Hear unfiltered insights straight from Europe’s tech leaders and connect with the people shaping what’s ahead. Lock in your spot before it’s gone. Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight. Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly. Provides movers and shakers with the info they need to start their day. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. SpaceX’s Starlink nabs American Airlines contract, another win for its IPO Kirsten Korosec 4 minutes ago Transportation Ferrari’s first EV is not for you Sean O'Kane 4 hours ago Transportation TechCrunch Mobility: Robotaxi reality check Kirsten Korosec 2 days ago X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram youTube Mastodon Threads Bluesky TechCrunchStaffContact UsAdvertiseCrunchboard JobsSite Map Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyRSS Terms of UseCode of Conduct Google SearchSpotifyOuraTrump MobileMetaTech LayoffsChatGPT © 2026 TechCrunch Media LLC.