Royal Air Maroc plans Starlink-powered Wi-Fi rollout from 2027

Yesterday 18:15

By: Azzat Manal

Royal Air Maroc plans Starlink-powered Wi-Fi rollout from 2027

Royal Air Maroc is reportedly preparing to introduce satellite-based high-speed internet on board its aircraft, with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite connectivity service, expected to play a central role in the project. The initiative could significantly upgrade the passenger experience and strengthen the Moroccan carrier’s position in an increasingly competitive international aviation market.

According to information reported by Africa Intelligence, Royal Air Maroc reached an agreement with Starlink on August 4 concerning the deployment of satellite Wi-Fi across its fleet, with the service expected to begin rolling out from 2027. The project is reportedly expected to start with testing on selected aircraft before gradually expanding to a larger portion of the fleet.

The move comes as Royal Air Maroc pursues a broader modernization and expansion strategy. As the airline develops its international network linking Morocco with Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, improving onboard services has become increasingly important to its competitiveness.

Starlink’s technology relies on a constellation of satellites operating in low Earth orbit. Compared with traditional geostationary satellite systems, this architecture can provide lower latency and high-speed connectivity, making it better suited to interactive online activities such as video calls, cloud applications, browsing and streaming.

For passengers, reliable onboard internet could therefore become more than a convenience. Business travelers could remain connected during long-haul flights, while other passengers could use online entertainment, messaging and digital services throughout their journey.

Royal Air Maroc would also be entering a market in which satellite-based connectivity is already expanding among major airlines. Air France, for example, began deploying Starlink connectivity on selected aircraft in 2025 and has announced plans to extend the service across its fleet. The French carrier has positioned high-speed Wi-Fi as an important component of its passenger experience.

The development of onboard connectivity is also gaining momentum in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines has introduced its ShebaSkyConnect service on part of its fleet, including selected Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. Its system uses satellite technology to provide passengers with internet access during flights.

Royal Air Maroc’s potential move toward Starlink would therefore not represent the introduction of onboard Wi-Fi to the African aviation market, but rather a shift toward a newer generation of satellite connectivity.

The agreement could also have significance beyond aviation. Starlink has been seeking to expand its international footprint, while its position in Morocco’s broader telecommunications market has faced regulatory and market-related challenges. A partnership with a major national airline could provide the company with an additional avenue for establishing a technological presence in the country.

For Royal Air Maroc, the partnership could offer access to an established connectivity platform without requiring the airline to develop its own satellite infrastructure. The exact commercial arrangements, including whether internet access will be free for passengers or offered under different packages, remain to be clarified.

Competition is likely to be an important factor behind the initiative. Airlines are increasingly competing not only on routes, aircraft and fares, but also on the quality of the onboard experience. High-speed Wi-Fi is gradually becoming a differentiating feature, particularly on long-distance routes where passengers spend several hours in the air.

For frequent travelers between Morocco and Europe, North America or other international destinations, the availability and reliability of onboard internet could increasingly influence their choice of airline. For corporate travelers in particular, uninterrupted connectivity can be an important consideration when selecting a carrier.

If the reported timetable is maintained, Royal Air Maroc could begin a significant transformation of its onboard digital experience in 2027. The success of the project will ultimately depend on factors such as the number of aircraft equipped, connection stability, available speeds, pricing and the routes covered.

The planned Starlink rollout would therefore represent more than a technological upgrade. It could become part of Royal Air Maroc’s broader strategy to modernize its services and strengthen its competitiveness among leading African and international airlines.