Austrian Airlines deployed its first Starlink-equipped aircraft on September 7
On September 7, 2026, Austrian Airlines put an Airbus A320neo with high-speed Starlink satellite connectivity from the American company into scheduled service for the first time. It is the first aircraft with this type of internet in the Austrian national carrier's fleet, and it debuted on the Vienna–Porto route.
Passengers first tried out the new connectivity on the morning flight from Vienna to Porto, and in the afternoon the aircraft continued on to London Heathrow.
- Registration
- OE-LXF
- Aircraft type
- Airbus A320neo
- Engines
- CFM LEAP 1A
- Plan by winter
- 20 aircraft with Starlink
According to Austrian Airlines, Starlink is to be installed on a total of twenty of the company's aircraft during the winter season.
The connection will be free for members of the Miles & More loyalty program, regardless of the travel class they fly in. To log in, it is enough to enter a Travel ID within the Lufthansa Group or a Miles & More account number.
Permitted and prohibited use
- Via Starlink, passengers can browse websites, listen to music, watch video, send emails and chat with friends.
- The airline bans internet calls and video streaming on board to keep a calm atmosphere in the cabin.
According to an earlier finding by Airways.cz, OE-LXF is also the first A320neo in the Austrian Airlines fleet fitted with CFM LEAP 1A engines – the five A320neos already in service fly with Pratt & Whitney PW1127G powerplants.
The switch to the A320neo is part of the modernization of Austrian Airlines' medium-haul fleet, with the type replacing the older generation of A320s. The aircraft fly in a uniform configuration with 180 economy-class seats.
As part of fleet optimization within the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines is due to hand over its PW1127G-powered A320neos to its Swiss sister airline Edelweiss Air in 2028. Going forward, it aims to operate exclusively A320neo aircraft with CFM LEAP 1A engines.