Finnair Pursues Partnerships with SpaceX and Amazon for Inflight Internet Services

Finnair Eyes Inflight Wi-Fi Partnership with SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Leo

Finnair, Finland's flag carrier airline, is in discussions with SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon.com's Leo to equip its fleet with inflight Wi-Fi, marking the latest European airline to consider Elon Musk's internet service for its jets.

According to Chief Executive Officer Turkka Kuusisto, the airline expects to have a plan in place for its Wi-Fi offering this year, although it is too soon to say when a decision will be announced. Kuusisto made these comments during an interview at the IATA annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The airline is engaged in talks with multiple service providers, which presents an opportunity for it to evaluate and choose the best connectivity platform for the future.

Starlink has gained popularity among airlines looking to upgrade their in-flight connectivity, offering high-speed web access to the entire cabin. In the past year, several airlines have partnered with Starlink, including Emirates, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, and United Airlines Holdings Inc. Amazon's Leo has also been selected by airlines such as Delta Air Lines Inc.

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Finnair has seen an increase in demand from Europe to Asia, driven by travelers choosing to fly with the airline due to the Middle East war. However, demand to the US has remained flat, according to Kuusisto. In addition, the airline has maintained "good visibility" on jet fuel reserves for the summer season, but a prolonged Iran war increases the risk of disruption.