British Airways Introduces Starlink In-Flight Calls

London, United Kingdom — August 8, 2023

In short: British Airways will allow in-flight calls using Starlink Wi-Fi.

British Airways Introduces Starlink Wi-Fi for In-Flight Calls

[Paragraph 1 — THE NEWS: 70 words] British Airways announced it will enable in-flight voice calls through Starlink satellite internet, a move aimed at enhancing connectivity for business and premium travelers. According to Skift, the airline’s website advises passengers to use headphones and speak softly when making calls. This initiative positions Starlink as a competitive alternative to traditional satellite Wi-Fi services, catering to the growing demand for reliable high-speed internet on flights.

INDUSTRY CONTEXT

Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet service has gained traction among airlines seeking to upgrade their in-flight connectivity offerings. While no direct competitors are mentioned in the source, this service addresses the gap in providing faster and more reliable internet access compared to older satellite systems, which often suffer from latency and connectivity issues.

Key Details

• British Airways will offer in-flight calls via Starlink Wi-Fi.
• The service is available on select flights starting August 2023.
• Passengers are advised to use headphones and speak softly during calls.

What Travel Professionals Should Know

For TMCs managing corporate accounts, this development may influence client preferences for airlines offering superior in-flight connectivity, potentially impacting booking decisions. Airport lounge operators in regions where British Airways operates may also need to adjust their service offerings to remain competitive. The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi is set to take effect starting August 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Starlink Wi-Fi?
Starlink Wi-Fi is a satellite-based internet service provided by SpaceX, offering high-speed connectivity to aircraft, designed to improve call quality and data speeds during flights.

Which travel trade segments does this affect?
This primarily impacts business and premium travel segments, as well as TMCs and lounge operators catering to frequent business travelers.

When does this take effect?
The service is expected to become available starting August 2023.

Reference:Source.