United Airlines has announced a significant agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink Wi-Fi service across its entire mainline and regional aircraft fleet. The deal, described as the largest of its kind in the industry, aims to offer passengers free, high-speed internet connectivity during flights.
The new service is expected to enable gate-to-gate connectivity, allowing passengers to access live television, streaming services, social media, shopping and gaming on both seatback screens and personal devices. United plans to implement Starlink on more than 1,000 planes in the coming years, with testing set to begin in early 2025 and the first passenger flights featuring the service later that year.
"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 Scott Kirby, CEO of United. "This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback — more content, that's more personalized."
"We're excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” added Gwynne Shotwell, president and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX. 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 Starlink service will be available on United's seatback screens, which currently number nearly 100,000 across the fleet. The airline plans to increase this number as it takes delivery of new aircraft and retrofits existing ones with its new United signature interiors.
United's frontline employees, including pilots, flight attendants, technicians and gate agents, are also expected to benefit from the new connectivity, enhancing their ability to manage operations and serve customers, even in remote locations or during disruptions like power outages or natural disasters.
The implementation of Starlink Wi-Fi is part of United's broader efforts to upgrade its fleet with new interiors, which include features such as Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets in every seat, larger overhead bins, and LED lighting.
This article was generated by AI and based on a press release distributed by United Airlines. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
