Wizz Air has released a statement affecting passengers looking to fly with the budget airline from 2027 onwards. The carrier, headquartered in Hungary, has confirmed that from next year, passengers will be able to access high-speed internet on its flights. The airline announced it is installing Elon Musk's Starlink internet system on all its 'new generation' aircraft, making Wizz Air the first European ultra-low-cost airline to adopt this technology.
Details of the Announcement
Wizz Air did not specify whether passengers will be charged a fee to use the Starlink service. Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX aerospace company, utilizes thousands of satellites orbiting Earth to provide broadband internet. Many other airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have already started offering Starlink on flights or announced plans to do so.
Executive Comment
Ian Malin, chief commercial officer of Wizz Air, stated: 'Ultra low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people. In 2027, we're taking that philosophy into the space era. Our customers shouldn't have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work and moments that matter most. We're proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air.'
Background: Musk and O'Leary Spat
In January, a public dispute erupted between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary over the feasibility of using Starlink on Ryanair flights. After O'Leary claimed it was not feasible, Musk called O'Leary an 'idiot' and a 'chimp' on social media, and mused about buying the airline. O'Leary later claimed the 'PR spat' had driven a 2-3% increase in sales for Ryanair.
