According to @SawyerMerritt, more than 2,500 airplanes are now equipped with Starlink's AI-powered in-flight internet, with major airlines such as United Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air France either using or contracting to install Starlink systems (Source: @SawyerMerritt, Twitter, Jan 22, 2026). This widespread adoption highlights a significant trend where airlines leverage AI-driven satellite connectivity to enhance passenger experience, streamline operations, and unlock new business opportunities in personalized services, real-time data analytics, and operational efficiency. The integration of AI with satellite internet is set to transform airline digital services, offering high-speed connectivity and enabling smarter, data-driven inflight experiences.

According to Greg Brockman (@gdb), Virgin Australia has announced an industry-first collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its customer service operations, marking the first use of generative AI chatbots by an Australian airline (source: virginaustralia.com). This strategic move aims to streamline customer support, automate flight inquiries, and offer personalized travel recommendations using advanced natural language processing. The partnership highlights a growing trend in the aviation sector, where airlines are leveraging AI to enhance passenger experience, reduce operational costs, and unlock new business opportunities by adopting AI-driven solutions.