EasyJet passengers to get Elon Musk's Starlink wifi in major move for budget airline - months after Ryanair boss branded billionaire's technology too expensive

EasyJet has announced it will offer wifi onboard for the first time, using Elon Musk's Starlink's high-speed inflight connectivity.

Starlink will be deployed from the first half of 2027 across the airline's modern A320, A320neo and A321neo fleet, with the rollout expected to be completed by early 2028.

It will allow passengers to stream, game and browse on their own devices, with access to the fast, reliable connectivity managed by Starlink.

Starlink is a subsiidary of SpaceX, which was founded and is owned by Elon Musk. 

Customers wanting to keep up to date with their journey will also be able to access useful information while in the air.

For example, this includes everything from checking their flight status through the easyJet app and website to looking up information about their destination, such as local weather, transport or tourism information. 

The move also aims to attract more business and leisure customers by offering more of the services they want when they fly. 

The technology also unlocks the potential for customers to order from the inflight menu from the comfort of their seats.

Kenton Jarvis, CEO at easyJet, said: 'In an increasingly digital world, staying connected matters more than ever to many of our customers, whether that's holidaymakers looking to unwind with inflight entertainment, or our business customers keeping up to speed with what's happening on the ground.

'Innovation is in easyJet's DNA and partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink's high-speed internet connectivity onboard for the first time will not only further enhance the experience we provide millions of customers, but means we are offering more of the options both business and leisure travellers want when they choose who they fly with.

'Giving customers the opportunity to get online in the air will mean even greater choice and convenience when you fly with easyJet. Ultimately, it's yet another way we're making travel easy.'

He did not specify whether wifi will be free or incur an additional charge. 

It comes just months after the airline turned down Starlink wifi.

Ryanair's CEO, meanwhile, fell out with Mr Musk in a spat over Starlink back in January.   

Elon Musk – the boss of Tesla and X – called its chief executive, Michael O'Leary, 'an idiot' and 'insufferable'.

It came after the Ryanair boss said he would not introduce Mr Musk's Starlink technolology on board flights.