Cebu Pacific to bring Starlink Wi-Fi aboard in 2027

Cebu Pacific plans to introduce Starlink satellite internet on its aircraft beginning in 2027, a move the airline said would make it the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to offer the SpaceX-operated inflight connectivity service.

The Philippine carrier, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker CEB, said Starlink would provide passengers with high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi capable of supporting high-definition streaming, online gaming, work, and other internet-based activities while in flight.

Starlink uses a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide broadband internet connectivity.

Cebu Pacific said the system would also improve connectivity for flight crews and operational teams, potentially supporting greater efficiency across airline operations.

The planned rollout forms part of Cebu Pacific’s continuing investment in customer experience and digital innovation as the airline expands what it describes as one of the youngest and largest fleets in the region.

The project is also part of a wider deployment involving Cebu Pacific and other airlines backed by Indigo Partners.

Cebu Pacific, Frontier in the United States, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico, and JetSMART in South America expect to install Starlink on more than 1,000 aircraft.

The airlines said the deployment would represent one of the largest global commitments to next-generation inflight connectivity, with the participating low-cost carriers offering access to Wi-Fi through a system managed directly by Starlink.

“Starlink will provide our portfolio airlines with reliable, high-speed connectivity, further enhancing the customer experience of flying on Wizz, Frontier, Volaris, JetSMART and Cebu Pacific,” said Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners.

“Introducing Starlink marks another important step in delivering a better travel experience for every Juan,” said Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific.

“Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an expectation for today’s travelers, and we’re excited to bring that experience to our guests. Whether they’re staying in touch with loved ones, catching up on work, or enjoying their favorite content, Starlink will allow them to stay connected throughout their journey while Cebu Pacific remains true to our commitment to making air travel accessible and affordable.”

Indigo Partners LLC is a private equity fund based in Phoenix, Arizona, that focuses on global investments in air transportation.

Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX and uses a low-Earth-orbit satellite network to provide broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and other online services.

SpaceX also provides launch services and operates orbital-class reusable rockets, giving the company experience in spacecraft and on-orbit operations.

Cebu Pacific entered the aviation industry in March 1996 and pioneered its “low fare, great value” strategy.

The airline said it has flown more than 250 million passengers since its inception.

Cebu Pacific operates a network of 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

The carrier currently operates a fleet of 100 aircraft, which it describes as the youngest jet fleet in the Philippines and one of the youngest in the world.