Delta Air Lines is exploring the possibility of using SpaceX's Starlink service to offer in-flight internet access.
As The Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street Journal reports, Delta CEO Ed Bastian confirmed that "exploratory tests" have been carried out using Starlink's technology. However, there are several steps required before it can be used on commercial flights.
SpaceX wants to partner with carriers to offer Starlink on flights and has been granted FCC approval to test the system on aircraft. There is no regulatory approval for the system being used on commercial flights yet, though. Elon Musk also pointed out last year that Starlink needs to be certified for each aircraft type, so the focus is on the most popular ones first (Boeing 737, A320, and Gulfstream).
According to J. Armand Musey, founder of Summit Ridge Group, which is focused on the satellite industry, it's going to take several years before Starlink is an established in-flight internet provider thanks to regulations and the long-term contracts carriers already have with other providers.
Starlink is competing with companies such as Intelsat SA and Viasat, but both carriers and passengers want a more reliable and faster experience while they fly. In response, Viasat is currently constructing three high-capacity satellites (ViaSat-3), with the first expected to launch this year. If nothing else, Starlink entering the fray will push providers to improve in-flight service.