SAS Hosts Air-to-Ground CS:GO Match at 30,000 Feet via Starlink

SAS has pushed the boundaries for in-flight connectivity, successfully completing a rigorous test of its new Starlink integration. On January 14, to prove the low-latency capabilities of the SpaceX-powered system, the airline hosted a live multiplayer Counter-Strike video game tournament at 30,000 feet.

Traditionally, satellite internet on aircraft has been notorious for high latency, making real-time gaming or video conferencing nearly impossible. This test proved otherwise, closing the gap between wifi connectivity on the ground and in the air.

The Flight

The Airbus A320neo, registered SE-ROM, departed Copenhagen at 1:00 p.m. local time. The plane flew north into Sweden before returning to Copenhagen. According to flight tracking software FlightRadar24, the flight lasted approximately three hours and twenty minutes.

FlightRadar24 featured the Airbus A320neo live on its app, sharing an announcement to its users:

SAS is hosting the world's first air-to-ground Counter-Strike match on this Starlink demonstration flight.

A photo posted on the social platform Reddit shows a message by SAS, seemingly given to passengers onboard the flight. It reads:

Welcome to the ultimate connection test onboard the first Starlink-equipped SAS aircraft.

 

For the first time ever, we are hosting a live Counter-Strike match between two esports professionals from Astralis onboard this flight versus their fans on the ground. In addition, you and a select group of guests have the opportunity to live-stream the game, or simply stay online, try out, and experience the new standard of in-flight connectivity.

 

The entire experience is designed to showcase what our new WiFi is truly capable of.

The message also outlined the flight agenda:

• Boarding and login
• Take off, stay online, and start testing
• Refreshments
• Live game starts
• Enjoy our new European business class serving
• Arrival

The message contained a QR code that passengers could scan to watch the stream.

SAS's Plans for Starlink

SAS is rolling out Starlink across its long-haul and short-haul fleets. For travelers, this promises:

• Gate-to-Gate Connectivity: No more waiting until the plane reaches cruising altitude to log on.
• Multi-Device Usage: Enough bandwidth to stream 4K video on one device while working on another.
• Free Access: SAS has indicated that Starlink will be a complimentary perk for EuroBonus members and those in premium cabins.