Air France Faces Renewed Political Backlash Over Starlink Inflight WiFi Decision

Political Figures Denounce Air France's Choice

Air France has recently faced renewed criticism from prominent French political figures regarding its decision to equip its fleet with Elon Musk's Starlink inflight WiFi service. The backlash, which resurfaced this week, follows nearly 14 months of silence since the deal with Starlink was initially announced in September 2024. French politicians have taken to social media to express their disapproval, arguing that the national airline is favoring an American company over a local European alternative.

Among the most vocal critics is Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a leading figure of the French left and de-facto head of the La France Insoumise party. Mélenchon attacked Air France, stating that the company was taking advantage of its homeland. He advocated for the French company Eutelsat, asserting it was 'more environmentally friendly and equally secure.' 'Big business of this kind has no homeland,' he added, criticizing the notion of corporate loyalty without reciprocal benefits. Similarly, Aurore Lalucq, a Member of the European Parliament, questioned the decision on social media, asking, 'Starlink? Is this a joke?'

Concerns Over Sovereignty and Data Security

The core of the political discontent stems from concerns over national sovereignty and data security. Critics argue that by choosing Starlink, Air France is entrusting sensitive data to an American entity, potentially subjecting it to the US Cloud Act. This legislation could compel American companies to provide data to the U.S. federal government.

• Cyprien Ronze-Spilliaert, a researcher specializing in hybrid warfare, expressed 'sadness' over the decision, suggesting Air France should have prioritized Eutelsat, which he described as the 'European satellite champion' and noted recent significant government investment in the company.
• Gilles Babinet, President of CafeIA, echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for metadata to reveal sensitive information and suggesting that Air France passengers could become 'privileged targets' for American intelligence. He indicated he would limit his flights with the airline, emphasizing the need for European technological autonomy.

Air France Defends Its Selection

In response to the criticism, Air France has defended its choice, asserting that Starlink's technology is currently the most advanced on the market. The airline stated that when the agreement was made in 2024, Starlink was considered the 'world leader in connectivity,' offering low-latency and high-speed internet access globally, even in isolated regions, due to its constellation of satellites.

Air France also indicated that it would have considered a viable European alternative if one had been available at the time of its decision. The airline plans to progressively roll out the new ultra-high-speed connectivity service, aiming for a 'ground-like' experience, with full fleet coverage expected by the end of 2026. The service is offered free of charge to members of its Flying Blue loyalty program.

Christophe Cuny, an Air France Boeing 787 pilot, provided a counter-perspective, noting that Air France, which is 28.6% owned by the state and employs 45,000 people, already incurs significant annual surcharges compared to its European competitors. He also pointed out that the airline's previous Wi-Fi provider was also American and that Air France contributes substantially to European industry through its massive purchases from Airbus.

The European Alternative: Eutelsat OneWeb

The 'local alternative' frequently referenced by critics is Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of the French Eutelsat Group. This company provides broadband satellite internet services via a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. The Eutelsat Group, formed through a merger with OneWeb in September 2023, has the French government as a direct stakeholder.

While Eutelsat OneWeb's LEO service for aviation only became operational earlier in 2025, Eutelsat CEO Jean-François Fallacher expressed regret over not securing Air France's business. However, he noted that the company has since forged new contracts with other carriers, including Delta Air Lines.