Emerging as a clear leader, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network is transforming the experience of in-flight internet. A recent Ookla report highlights how Starlink-powered airlines deliver download speeds and latency rivaling those found in home broadband setups.

Highlighting the first quarter of 2025, the study notes Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways topping performance charts with median download speeds soaring to 152.37 Mbps and latency dropping to just 44 milliseconds. This represents a massive leap over traditional providers like Deutsche Telekom, which struggles at around 4 Mbps.

Passengers on carriers such as Spirit, Delta, and American Airlines are also benefiting, with many hitting usable speeds exceeding 10 Mbps. While some airlines still depend on older satellite systems resulting in sluggish connections, the trend toward low-earth orbit satellites like Starlink’s constellation is unmistakable.

Looking ahead, airlines like United are expanding Starlink integration, promising complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to frequent flyers. Meanwhile, emerging LEO competitors such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper are gearing up, ensuring the connectivity race remains dynamic.

More details on this connectivity revolution can be found at Tesla North.