NEW YORK (VINnews) – American Airlines says it plans to equip more than 500 narrowbody aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service beginning in early 2027, expanding the airline industry’s push to provide faster in-flight connectivity for travelers.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said Tuesday the rollout will include much of its domestic and short-haul international fleet, including new Airbus A321neo and A321XLR aircraft entering service.

American said the Starlink system, which uses a low Earth orbit satellite network operated by SpaceX, is expected to support high-bandwidth uses such as video streaming, online gaming and video calls during flights.

Airlines have increasingly invested in upgraded onboard Wi-Fi systems as they compete to attract premium travelers seeking faster and more reliable internet access in the air.

American Airlines did not immediately disclose financial terms of the agreement or when installations across the fleet would be completed.