Cebu Pacific will onboard Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet from 2027, becoming the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in South-East Asia to offer the technology.
The Philippines’ largest carrier, which flies to Australia, will roll out the SpaceX-engineered satellite Wi-Fi from 2027, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet capable of HD streaming, online gaming and productivity across its flights.
Starlink runs on a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation, offering connectivity fast enough for streaming, video calls and gaming.
The system will also support flight crews and operational teams, which the LCC expects to improve efficiency across its network.
Cebu Pacific President & CCO Xander Lao said the introduction of the SpaceX-engineered satellite Wi-Fi marks another important step in delivering a better travel experience.
“Reliable, high-speed connectivity has become an expectation for today’s travellers, and we’re excited to bring that experience to our guests,” he said.
“Whether they’re staying in touch with loved ones, catching up on work or enjoying their favourite content, Starlink will allow them to stay connected throughout their journey while we remain true to our commitment to making air travel accessible and affordable.”
The LCC carries Aussie travellers to Manila and onward across its network of 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia and the Middle East, and operates a fleet of 100 aircraft, one of the youngest jet fleets in the world.
Part of a wider Indigo Partners rollout
Cebu Pacific and fellow Indigo Partners portfolio airlines, Frontier in the US, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico and JetSMART in South America, expect to install the SpaceX-engineered satellite Wi-Fi on more than 1,000 aircraft across their combined fleets.
The deployment ranks among the largest global commitments to next-gen inflight connectivity, pairing low fares with reliable Wi-Fi managed directly by the SpaceX-engineered satellite Wi-Fi.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Onboard connectivity is fast becoming a booking consideration, and an LCC matching what many full-service airlines still charge for is a genuine drawcard for value-focused clients heading to the Philippines. For Australian advisors selling connecting itineraries through Manila, it is a useful point of difference to flag when comparing low-cost options across Asia.
