United Airlines has accelerated its plans to offer Starlink satellite internet connectivity on its flights. Testing will begin next month on an Embraer E-175 aircraft for the first Starlink-enabled commercial flight to operate this autumn.
Deployment plan:
- United aims to install Starlink across its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025.
- The first mainline aircraft equipped with Starlink is expected to operate by the end of this year.
Starlink will provide high-speed, low-latency internet access allowing passengers to stream, game, shop and more on seatback screens and personal devices. MileagePlus members will receive free access to the service.
Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, said: “Adding Starlink to as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the centre of our plans. This will revolutionise flying with United and open new opportunities for our MileagePlus members.”
United signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX last year, making it the first major US airline to adopt gate-to-gate Starlink connectivity on this scale. The service will provide a seamless in-flight experience comparable to internet services on the ground.
