SWISS flies its first Starlink aircraft

SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines AG) flew its first Starlink-equipped aircraft in passenger service on 28 September 2026. The Airbus A320neo, registered as HB-JDM and named Iseltwald, operated its first Starlink flight LX1852 from Zurich to Thessaloniki. SWISS is marketing the service under the name: Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink.

The airline says the connection is available from the gate rather than only after takeoff, thanks to how Starlink works over legacy systems. SWISS notes that the free internet is included as part of the Miles & Mores members package, as well as to Travel ID users, but a @FlySWISS post says the service is free in all travel classes without mentioning either requirement.

What Passengers Can Do With Starlink

The SWISS newsroom says passengers can send messages, share photos, and use a wide range of other online services. Video and audio streaming are also supported, although passengers are asked to use headphones and remain aware of crew announcements.

Voice and video calls are not permitted, and passengers are not allowed to broadcast live from the aircraft, which matches what other airlines permit with Starlink as well. SWISS also asks passengers who share photos or videos taken onboard to respect the privacy of other passengers and crew.

The airline describes the connection as fast and reliable from gate to gate, but does not provide a specific download or upload speed.

Free Wi-Fi Terms Remain Unclear

The SWISS newsroom says the internet is free of charge for Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all travel classes, from gate to gate. Miles & More is Lufthansa Group’s loyalty program, while Travel ID provides access to Lufthansa Group services through a single traveller account.

For now, the airline’s newsroom and social media posts describe the free-access requirements differently. The newsroom includes an account requirement, while the X post simply describes the service as free in all travel classes.

SWISS Plans Full Fleet Starlink Coverage

HB-JDM is currently the only SWISS aircraft identified as equipped with Starlink. SWISS says three more Airbus A320-family aircraft will receive the service soon, although it has not provided registration numbers or specific installation dates.

The rollout will then continue gradually, with the airline expecting its entire fleet to be equipped by the end of 2029.

SWISS describes the rollout as another step toward improving connectivity for passengers, saying Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink will make internet access faster, more reliable, and available across the entire SWISS fleet.