SpaceX Starlink nabs American Airlines contract for 500+ aircraft

American Airlines said Tuesday it plans to install Starlink on more than 500 narrow-body Airbus aircraft beginning early next year. The carrier is the latest to select the SpaceX unit for inflight Wi-Fi service. The agreement covers the airline's new Airbus A321XLR and A320neo aircraft. Its Boeing aircraft are not part of the agreement. Starlink satellites use a low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet for consumers as well as enterprise customers like American Airlines. The company has pursued contracts with airlines and cruise operators with some success. Other airlines that have equipped some aircraft with Starlink include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines, which merged with Hawaiian Airlines. This is according to SpaceX's IPO registration filing that was released last week. The deal provides more than just financial lift for Starlink, the satellite communications network and the only SpaceX business unit that generates meaningful revenue. It also hands SpaceX a win over the competition such as Amazon Leo and other legacy providers like Viasat. SpaceX is preparing for its IPO next month.