EasyJet has revealed plans to install Starlink Wi-Fi on its planes, which will take place from the first half of 2027 to early 2028. That's a significant leap for an airline that has none of the connectivity at the moment.

Here's what we do know about the plan, the deal-breaker (and cover-up) of pricing, and how it reacts to competitors Ryanair.

The Rollout Plan

EasyJet is currently operating over 350 aircraft. Starlink is expected to be fitted on all its Airbus A320s, A320neos and A321neos.

• Starting in the first half of 2027
• It should be installed and running by early 2028
• Starlink will be installed on the A320, A320neo and A321neo
• The over 80 A319s will not be fitted with Starlink

A319s will be replaced by 2029. While the installation will be finished by 2028, it won't happen until sometime in 2029 when all active planes in the fleet are equipped with Starlink. That is, the total benefit will take several years to accrue to all the passengers.

The Catch on Pricing

While most airlines that have launched Starlink are providing it to their passengers for free, this is not always the case. EasyJet doesn't state that the service is free, though. The chances are that Wi-Fi connectivity will be sold or, at least, it'll be free for some select passengers. The fact that the airline will be using a new pricing model will be interesting.

It is important because the price determines the ultimate uptake of the service. A free offering can woo passengers in no time, a paid offering may be utilized by essentially business travelers and those desiring to get online.

From Nothing to Starlink

In both cases, it's a big improvement. Currently, EasyJet doesn't have any connectivity at all, so a change from nothing to Starlink is really impressive. The investment is part of the airline's efforts to enhance the passenger experience, as well as to draw in more business travelers and leisure passengers seeking more of the services they desire, according to the firm.

Many airlines have a slow rate of upgrading, replacing their older systems with newer ones. EasyJet is bypassing those steps and taking the leap to one of the more sophisticated solutions available.

What the CEO Says

In an increasingly digital world, connectivity is more important than ever to many customers, said EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis. That means vacationers who prefer to indulge in in-flight entertainment and company travelers who want to stay up-to-date on the ground.

He said innovation has been easyJet's DNA and that they will be bringing Starlink for the first time onboard, which will enhance the experience for millions of customers. It also reflects the fact that the airline is providing consumers greater alternatives in their selection of who to fly with, in the interests of both business and leisure travelers. He said that providing a place for customers to get online while in the air would further enhance choice and convenience, and is another example of how the airline makes travel easy.

How EasyJet is different from Ryanair

Ryanair is Europe's largest low cost airline and the highest margin airline in the world. While the two have different business models, the comparison is not a fair one, the two are in the same competitive set.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary insists the airline will not get inflight Wi-Fi any time soon. His argument is that Ryanair doesn't believe that passengers will pay for Wi-Fi on the average one hour flight. Ryanair is a company that's only interested in the bottom line and that's how they have been doing it for years.

That attitude caused an acrimonious battle earlier this year between Elon Musk and O'Leary, who even threatened to purchase Ryanair. Ryanair held its own, and promoted a Big Idiot Seat Sale for Elon Musk and any other idiot.

Will Ryanair Change its Mind?

Ryanair is a very disciplined airline and it will be interesting to see how this will go. Whether or not there will come a time when even the most frugal passengers will appreciate Starlink, or the airline continues running their planes without internet access remains to be seen.

At this time both airlines are going in different directions. EasyJet is banking on connectivity to help it draw in more passengers, while Ryanair is banking on its passengers being more interested in cheap airfare than free wi-fi. Time will tell which way it's going to go, and if other budget airlines will do as Easyjet do.

What to expect when you are a passenger

However, passengers on EasyJet flights will not see Starlink immediately. The rollout will start from the first half of 2027 through early 2028, meaning that your aircraft's upgrade will happen at different times. Since the A319s will not be fitted, some flights will not have it even after the main installation is done.

The service may not be free, so it's a good idea to wait until the official pricing is announced before planning on using it for work. EasyJet flights are likely to be shorter and so many people may require it for a brief message or a little fun.

If connectivity is a must, be sure to verify your aircraft type when you book, too! It is probable that Starlink will be available for an A320 family jet, but will probably not be available for an A319.

The Bottom Line

EasyJet has announced that Starlink Wi-Fi will be coming on board in the first half of 2027, and will be installed by the first half of 2028. Starlink will be installed on all planes that will see long-term service, but A319s will be phased out by 2029 and won't be receiving it. But the only problem is that it sounds like it will cost EasyJet, as the announcement doesn't mention it being free.

Regardless, it's nice to see this kind of high-speed internet now becoming the standard on flights even on budget airlines, as it's a nice added feature to the passengers' experience.