Texts and calls could soon be possible in the sky as Wizz Air becomes the first budget airline to launch in-flight internet.
Wizz Air has announced it will become the first low-cost carrier in Europe to introduce high-speed, reliable connectivity at 30,000 feet, declaring it the "beginning of the end for airplane mode."
Passengers will be able to reply to emails, messages, and even watch live sports with Starlink’s in-flight internet, though the change isn’t expected to launch until 2027.
Ian Malin, chief commercial officer at Wizz Air, said: "Ultra-low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people.
"In 2027, we are taking that philosophy into the space era.
"Our customers should not have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work, and moments that matter most.
"We are proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air."
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk and operated by SpaceX, delivers broadband using low satellite orbits.
It has already been adopted by airlines including Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa Group on select aircraft.
Jason Fritch, vice president of Starlink enterprise sales at SpaceX, said: "We are thrilled to bring Starlink onboard Wizz Air and transform the travel experience for millions of its customers.
"Keeping passengers and crew seamlessly connected at 30,000 feet is exactly what this technology was built to do.
"We look forward to delivering reliable, high-speed internet from departure to arrival."
Wizz Air aims to end what it calls an era of "forced digital isolation" during flights, instead allowing travellers to stay connected to "people, work, and moments that matter most."
Every new generation of Wizz Air aircraft is expected to be equipped with Starlink’s technology, supporting the airline’s ambition to keep passengers connected throughout their journeys.
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