RuAviation

Aeroflot is implementing a project to provide passengers with wireless internet access onboard its aircraft. CEO Sergey Alexandrovsky stated that the airline is actively working in this direction, though technical implementation presents unique challenges due to the specifics of aircraft operations, making it more complex than ground-based internet services.

The service is scheduled for rollout between 2027 and 2028, aligning with the deployment of the Bureau 1440 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. According to Alexandrovsky, the Ministry of Digital Development has committed to this timeline. Aeroflot has signed the necessary agreements and anticipates strong passenger demand for the service. The airline also aims to offer Wi-Fi free of charge, in line with global industry trends.

Under a May 2024 agreement, Aeroflot is collaborating with Bureau 1440 and Russian Railways (RZD) to advance satellite and digital technologies for connectivity and onboard services, both in the air and on the ground. The state-owned satellite operator Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) is currently testing domestically produced equipment for processing geostationary satellite signals, according to RSCC head Alexey Volin.

The goal of these trials is to deliver broadband internet on Russian passenger aircraft and eliminate reliance on foreign technologies, which have faced restrictions in recent years. New aircraft delivered to Aeroflot’s fleet will be equipped for Wi-Fi connectivity, accelerating the service’s introduction.

Satellite communications, particularly LEO solutions, are expected to provide connection speeds and stability comparable to terrestrial internet. This will enable streaming video and other digital services onboard, replacing outdated systems with high latency and limited bandwidth. Aeroflot is already deploying a domestic streaming entertainment system, which will be available on widebody aircraft by the end of 2025, offering passengers content via a local onboard network with complimentary Wi-Fi access.

For Aeroflot, this initiative marks a step toward comprehensive digital transformation, integrating satellite connectivity, multimedia services, and advanced fleet management technologies. In-flight connectivity is becoming a standard rather than a luxury, expanding digital offerings for passengers and supporting national strategies for the development of domestic space and telecommunications infrastructure.