Will Kenya Airways use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites to offer passengers free internet during long flights?

Kenya Airways is planning to introduce free onboard Wi-Fi services across the airline’s long-haul network​ in 2027.

The free internet services are set to be introduced from the second quarter of 2027, as the Kenyan National carrier moves to improve onboard connectivity for all passengers that buy its tickets.

The Acting Kenya Airways’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Kamal said the rollout will begin with their long-haul aircraft, with installations carried out progressively as the planes undergo maintenance.

The airline has already equipped its Boeing 777-300ER with Wi-Fi technology, although the service is yet to become active.

Reports say Kenya Airways (KQ) is currently working with an internet provider to bring the system into operation.

It is still not known for sure who the provider will be, but some observers believe the airline may want to engage the Starlink Satellite Services that are already in use throughout Kenya, with Elon Musk’s satellites beaming around the globe.

Anyway, the airline plans to offer the service free of charge, initially for at least one year.

The Kenya Airways move is expected to enhance the passenger experience and help the East African airline remain competitive as inflight connectivity becomes increasingly common among other carriers operating on the continent.

Kenya Airways (KQ) company currently operates long-haul services to destinations including London, New York, Paris and Guangzhou.

Recently the airline management expressed interest in venturing into the hospitality business and operating hotels as well as establishing hospitals within its operation chain.

Meanwhile Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy that will see the national carrier triple its fleet from the current 32 aircraft to 100 over the next 10 years as it positions itself for higher passenger demand and a wider route network.

According to The Kenya Times, the national carrier said the expansion will be carried out in phases, with the fleet expected to grow to 67 aircraft by 2030 before reaching 100 within the next decade.

The additional planes are expected to support more routes, increase flight frequencies and strengthen Nairobi’s role as one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.

The airline is also targeting a significant increase in passenger numbers, aiming to carry 9 million travelers by 2030, up from the current 5.2 million.

The expansion comes just weeks after Kenya Airways returned its Boeing 777 aircraft to service following a decade-long absence.