United Airlines Accelerates Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout for a Seamless In-Flight Experience
United Airlines has recently announced that it is speeding up its plans to deploy Starlink satellite technology, bringing high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi to its passengers much sooner than expected. Testing for the service will begin in February 2025, and the first commercial flight equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi will take off in spring 2025.
What You Need to Know About United’s Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout
The United Embraer E-175 will be the first aircraft to receive Starlink connectivity. By the end of 2025, the airline plans to equip its entire regional fleet with this cutting-edge technology, ensuring fast and reliable Wi-Fi for passengers across the United States.
Free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus Members
One of the most exciting aspects of this Starlink rollout is that United Airlines will offer free Wi-Fi to all passengers who are part of the MileagePlus loyalty program. Richard Nunn, the Chief of MileagePlus, emphasized that this initiative is key to the airline’s growth this year, stating, “We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members, and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can is at the center of it all.”
In addition, United Airlines isn’t the only airline offering Starlink-powered Wi-Fi. For example, Hawaiian Airlines introduced free Starlink Wi-Fi across its Airbus fleet in September 2024, while Qatar Airways quickly followed suit, launching Starlink on its Boeing 777 fleet shortly after. You can read more about Hawaiian Airlines’ Starlink Wi-Fi rollout here and Qatar Airways’ launch of Starlink here.
Why Starlink is a Game Changer for In-Flight Connectivity
Owned by SpaceX, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet for in-flight passengers. With download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and upload speeds of 25 Mbps, Starlink will make in-flight internet as fast and reliable as ground-based Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stream videos, browse, and even play online games during flights.
United Airlines plans to install Starlink terminals in each aircraft within two days during its regular maintenance, making the process highly efficient.
Starlink Across United’s Fleet
United Airlines has committed to installing Starlink on its entire regional fleet by the end of 2025. Additionally, they plan to equip their mainline fleet of Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s with Starlink by the end of this year, ensuring more passengers can access high-speed Wi-Fi in the near future.
Once implemented, the service will allow passengers to connect multiple devices under a single MileagePlus account, providing a seamless internet experience during flights.
Starlink: The Future of In-Flight Connectivity
While United Airlines is accelerating its Starlink rollout, it is not the first airline to implement this technology. Hawaiian Airlines was one of the first to offer Starlink Wi-Fi across its Airbus fleet, beginning in September 2024. Qatar Airways also began offering Starlink on its Boeing 777 aircraft shortly thereafter, revolutionizing the way passengers connect to the internet during flights.
Additionally, Starlink is not only being used by airlines. It is gaining traction with private charter services and government agencies for special missions, thanks to its reliable high-speed internet. You can find out more about Starlink for Aviation here.
What’s Next for Starlink in Aviation?
As Starlink for Aviation continues to expand, SpaceX aims to offer even faster internet speeds, improving live video streaming, gaming, and real-time communication. Moreover, Starlink’s partnership with T-Mobile for direct-to-cell satellite service will enable passengers to stay connected via mobile phones in remote areas, ensuring seamless connectivity worldwide.
With the rapid expansion of Starlink, United Airlines and other carriers are leading the charge toward a future of faster, more reliable in-flight Wi-Fi.
Image Credits: Starlink Aero Terminal. SpaceX
