United Airlines announced a significant agreement with SpaceX to equip its entire mainline and regional fleet with Starlink satellite internet service, marking a substantial shift in inflight connectivity offerings.
The Chicago-based carrier plans to install Starlink on more than 1,000 aircraft over the next several years, with testing set to begin in early 2025 and the first passenger flights expected later that year.
United says the service will be provided to customers at no additional cost.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” said United CEO Scott Kirby.
“This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized.”
Starlink, engineered by SpaceX, uses a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access, including in remote areas and over oceans where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals are unreliable.
The new service is expected to enable gate-to-gate connectivity, allowing passengers to access streaming services, live TV, gaming, and other online activities throughout their flights.
United also plans to integrate the enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities with its seatback entertainment systems, which are present on nearly 100,000 seats across its fleet.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, stated, “We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience. With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”
The agreement represents the largest of its kind in the airline industry, potentially setting a new standard for inflight connectivity.
United, which operates extensive international routes across the Atlantic and Pacific, will be the first carrier to commit to offering Starlink service at this scale.
While the full rollout is expected to take several years, United sees the enhanced connectivity as benefiting not only passengers but also its frontline employees.
The airline suggests that improved internet access could aid pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and gate agents in their operational duties, particularly in remote locations or during disruptions to traditional services.
As airlines continue to compete on passenger experience, United’s move to offer free, high-speed internet across its fleet could pressure other carriers to enhance their own connectivity offerings.
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