British Airways is introducing Starlink Wi-Fi on select aircraft, potentially allowing in-flight phone calls. The airline's Houston-bound 787-8 is the first British carrier equipped with the high-speed service, offering download speeds of over 500 Mbps. This upgrade is part of BA's investment to modernize the customer experience, providing seamless connectivity for streaming, working, and communication.
While the enhanced Wi-Fi aims to keep passengers connected, the prospect of voice calls is dividing opinion. BA plans to equip over 300 aircraft with the free service. The airline advises passengers to "please be considerate" and use headphones, even when making calls, suggesting a need for discretion to maintain cabin tranquility. Some observers lament the potential loss of the plane cabin as a "happy haven from intrusive conversations."
Globally, airlines like Air France and Qatar Airways are also partnering with Starlink. However, the US approach differs. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ban on certain radio frequencies for voice calls on domestic flights remains in place. A Department of Transportation study indicated that 96% of respondents supported this ban, citing concerns about disruptions and "air rage." Despite this, Wi-Fi-based calls are not explicitly prohibited, leaving a potential loophole for airlines.