El Al has become the latest airline to select SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, with plans to introduce free onboard connectivity across its fleet beginning next year.
The Israeli carrier announced the agreement on Monday but did not disclose financial details. According to the airline, the service will allow hundreds of passengers to connect simultaneously, including on long-haul flights operated by its widebody aircraft.
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April 27, 2026
"The integration of Starlink technology into El Al aircraft is a significant step forward, allowing customers to stay connected in the air, enjoy live streaming and continue to work and communicate smoothly and without interruption," CEO Levy Halevy said.
The deal adds El Al to a rapidly growing list of airlines adopting Starlink. The satellite network has emerged as one of the fastest-growing inflight connectivity providers, signing multiple airline customers over the past two years as carriers seek to improve the passenger experience and attract premium travelers.
Unlike traditional inflight internet systems that rely on geostationary satellites positioned tens of thousands of kilometers above Earth, Starlink uses a large constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. The shorter distance reduces latency and enables faster connection speeds, making activities such as video streaming, video calls and cloud-based work applications more practical during flight.
The technology has attracted airlines across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Operators including United Airlines, Air France, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa Group carriers and Air Canada have either begun installations or announced plans to deploy the system on their fleets.
El Al said the rollout will take place in phases rather than through a rapid fleetwide installation. The airline plans to begin with its fleet of 32 Boeing 737s in 2027, followed by its six Boeing 777s and 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The carrier expects the retrofit program to be completed by 2029.
The installation timeline will overlap with the planned replacement of the airline's current Boeing 737 fleet. El Al has ordered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2032.
