Full-fledged internet service on board Russian aircraft could be available as early as 2027 and become a widespread service by 2028. Authorities and market participants attribute these timelines to the development of a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation and the implementation of 5G-NTN technology, which will enable connectivity not only on the ground but also in the air.
Currently, passengers on Russian airlines mainly have access to local Wi-Fi portals that operate inside the aircraft without connecting to the global network. One such solution is Wi-Fly—an in-flight entertainment system without internet access. Once connected to the internal network, passengers can watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, read digital publications, get flight information, and use other digital services provided by the airline. However, these platforms do not provide full internet access during the flight.
The issue of launching in-flight internet in Russia has been under discussion for several years. Initially, it was expected that the technology would become widely available by 2028; however, representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development later stated that the first commercial services could launch as early as 2027. At the same time, experts note that this is a large-scale infrastructure project, the implementation of which will require not only launching the necessary number of satellites into orbit, but also establishing ground communication stations, installing special equipment on aircraft, and completing the certification process for aviation solutions.
The foundation of the future service will be a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, which will ensure stable data transmission with minimal signal latency. One of the key players in this field is “Bureau 1440” LLC, which is developing a Russian satellite communications system for broadband Internet access. According to experts’ estimates, full coverage will require several hundred satellites capable of providing connectivity both in remote regions of the country and along air routes.
It is expected that, in the initial phase, internet access will be available on only a limited number of aircraft. Once the technology has been tested and its reliability confirmed, the service will be rolled out more widely. The most realistic scenario involves continuing testing and refining the infrastructure throughout 2026–2027, after which the first flights with full internet access on board may begin.
However, the project’s timeline will depend not only on the technological readiness of the satellite network. For airlines, the cost of the equipment, the timeline for installing it on their existing fleet, and the service’s financing model are all critical factors. It remains to be seen who will pay for internet access—the passengers themselves, the carriers, or the government as part of its support for the project.
For travelers, the launch of in-flight internet will mark a transition from limited entertainment services to full-fledged connectivity during the flight. For airlines, this is an opportunity to improve the quality of service and bring it closer to international standards. For now, the industry is targeting 2027 as the possible start of commercial operation of the technology and 2028 as the date for its wider adoption.