Starlink Targets 10,000 Aircraft and 39% Market Share by 2034

Elon Musk’s Starlink is rapidly redefining the future of in-flight connectivity, bringing lightning-fast, low-latency internet to thousands of feet above the ground. Once considered a disruptive newcomer, Starlink is now on track to become a major force in the aviation industry, with a new report predicting that the service will be installed on over 10,000 aircraft by 2034.

According to a recent study by London-based Valour Consultancy, which closely monitors in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) trends, Starlink’s expansion in commercial and private aviation is gaining serious momentum. Backed by SpaceX’s vast satellite network in low-Earth orbit, Starlink is already connecting a growing number of aircraft — and the trajectory is sharply upward.

Major Airlines Onboard

Although Starlink’s in-flight internet is currently active on just a few hundred aircraft, it has secured major partnerships with some of the world’s largest airlines. The most significant deal so far is with United Airlines, which operates a fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft and has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink services beginning in 2025.

Other prominent carriers such as Qatar Airways, WestJet, Air France, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines have also signed on. Notably, airBaltic launched Starlink service aboard its A220 fleet in February 2025. Rumors are swirling that Emirates — one of the most influential global carriers — is likely to be announced as a customer in the near future.

Expanding Aircraft Certification

Starlink’s rapid expansion is also supported by its growing list of Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), which are required for aviation equipment to be installed and used on different aircraft types. By early 2025, Starlink had received STCs for several key models, including the Boeing 737-800, Airbus A220, and Embraer E175. Certification for additional aircraft types, such as the Airbus A320, is expected later this year.

Dominating the Sky by 2034

Valour Consultancy’s projections are bold: by 2034, Starlink could be installed on over 10,000 aircraft, with a 39% share of the commercial aviation connectivity market, which equates to over 7,000 airliners. Additionally, more than 3,000 private jets are expected to use Starlink’s ultra-fast in-flight internet by the same year.

The Future of In-Flight Connectivity

As the demand for seamless, high-speed internet access continues to rise among travelers, airlines are racing to upgrade their onboard experience.