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Norwegian Air Rules Out Starlink Adoption, Cites Revenue Model and Certification Constraints

Norwegian

Oslo, February 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: Norwegian Air Shuttle does not plan to introduce Starlink satellite internet on its aircraft at present, as the low-cost carrier continues to provide paid onboard Wi-Fi services through its existing provider, Chief Executive Officer Geir Karlsen has said.

Speaking on the airline’s connectivity strategy, Karlsen emphasized that budget carriers depend significantly on ancillary revenue streams—such as paid in-flight internet—to maintain competitive ticket prices. He indicated that adopting Starlink could potentially limit airlines’ flexibility in charging passengers for onboard connectivity, thereby affecting an important source of supplemental income.

The CEO further noted that Starlink’s satellite system has not yet received certification for installation on Boeing 737 aircraft, which form the backbone of Norwegian Air’s fleet. While certification may be secured in the future, the airline is not currently considering integration of the service.

Norwegian Air Shuttle, one of Europe’s prominent low-cost carriers, continues to prioritize cost-efficiency and ancillary services as central components of its business model, maintaining its strategy of offering optional paid services to support affordable base fares.