In-Flight Internet Set for Russian Aircraft by 2027
Russia is moving to bring broadband connectivity onboard commercial aircraft, with the rollout of the Rassvet satellite constellation enabling internet access during flight. Initial satellites have already been deployed in orbit.
Internet access has become a core expectation for modern consumers. However, connectivity remains limited during long-distance travel. Satellite communications are gradually addressing this gap, and a new phase of deployment is now underway.
Service Launch Timeline
In-flight internet access could be introduced on passenger aircraft as early as 2027. This timeline was outlined by Alexey Shelobkov, CEO of X Holding, during the Telecom 2026 conference. The rollout depends on commissioning a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation, with implementation planned in multiple stages.
“We are advancing the project in parallel with constellation deployment, working closely with design bureaus within the United Aircraft Corporation as well as with Aeroflot. We plan to launch commercial service in 2027, with an additional six months required for testing and full-scale rollout of specific use cases,” Shelobkov said.
According to the executive, onboard internet will improve passenger experience while also enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency for crews.
Constellation Deployment Underway
The in-flight connectivity initiative is tied to the development of the Rassvet satellite constellation, led by Bureau 1440, part of X Holding. On March 26, the company launched its first batch of 16 satellites into orbit at an altitude of 800 kilometers. The constellation is designed to deliver global coverage, with plans to scale up to 900 satellites.
The orbital configuration represents a key distinction from widely known systems such as Starlink. U.S. satellites typically operate at around 550 kilometers, requiring thousands of units to maintain coverage. The Russian approach uses higher orbits and fewer satellites, reducing deployment costs while maintaining network effectiveness.
From Prototype to Commercial Network
“The launch of the first satellites in the target constellation marks the transition from experimentation to building a communications service. The Bureau 1440 team completed this phase in 1,000 days, the time between launching experimental and production satellites,” company representatives said.
The Rassvet satellites are fully developed in-house by Bureau 1440 and operate using the 5G NTN communication standard. They feature upgraded power systems, next-generation inter-satellite laser links, and plasma propulsion units. The constellation is expected to begin providing internet access in 2027, with around 250 satellites in orbit by that time.
In practical terms, Russia has entered the deployment phase of a sovereign satellite communications system. Beyond aviation, the network is expected to support connectivity in remote regions where terrestrial infrastructure is not economically or geographically feasible.
Airline Readiness and Strategic Impact
The timeline for onboard internet depends not only on satellite deployment but also on airline readiness. Carriers must address regulatory and certification requirements, which are particularly stringent in aviation. Work in this area is already underway.
The introduction of broadband connectivity on aircraft and trains carries strategic implications. While passenger convenience will improve through access to digital services, the larger impact lies in building domestic capabilities for providing connectivity to moving platforms. Such technologies have strong export potential, particularly in markets seeking alternatives to established Western providers.
