British Airways will offer all customers "free, reliable and lightning-fast" Wi-Fi on its flights from next year. In a deal struck with internet provider Starlink, which belongs to Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX.

Previously, BA had only provided free Wi-Fi to business class travellers, and economy flyers had to pay up to £21.99 for more complex internet use. However, the new deal means customers across economy, business and first class will be able to send messages, work online and stream films while flying, with internet speeds of up to 450Mbps.

BA said it was part of a £7bn "transformation" and that passengers would be able to access the internet even across remote regions, from boarding to landing, and they will not need a password to log in.

Sean Doyle, British Airways' chief executive, described it as "gamechanging for us and our customers, elevating their experience onboard our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate to gate".

He added that "especially on short haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors".

The technology will be rolled out across four more airlines under BA's parent company, International Airlines Group, which includes Aer Lingus, and Spanish airlines Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL.

BA has upped its offering to join a list of rival competitors currently offering free Starlink Wi-Fi to all customers, such as airBaltic, Air France and Scandinavian Airlines.

The internet carrier under Elon Musk's parent company is "engineered by SpaceX", and uses a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet that is capable of supporting streaming, online gaming and video calls.

More than 500 aircraft are set to offer the free service, which will be rolled out from early next year.