United Airlines Fast-Tracks Starlink Internet for a Smoother In-Flight Experience
United Airlines is poised to transform the in-flight internet experience with its partnership with Starlink. Originally slated for early 2024, United has shifted gears to begin testing next month, with the inaugural passenger flight featuring Starlink set for this spring. This exciting development will first be seen on an Embraer E-175 regional jet.
- Testing begins sooner than planned, starting next month.
- First passenger flight with Starlink is scheduled for this spring.
Speaking with Linda Jojo, United’s Chief Customer Officer, she emphasized the rapid pace of this rollout. The retrofit of each aircraft is expected to take about two days while the plane is at base, although there’s flexibility to split the installation over two nights if needed. By year-end, United aims to have its entire regional fleet equipped with Starlink, with plans for mainline aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s to follow suit.
“We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink on as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the center of it all,” shared Richard Nunn, CEO of United’s MileagePlus program. “It’s not only going to revolutionize the experience of flying United, but it’s also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.”
{Richard Nunn, CEO of United’s MileagePlus program}
The promise of Starlink’s technology is compelling: a seamless in-flight Wi-Fi experience mirroring that on the ground. Imagine enough bandwidth to stream live video, access productivity apps, and play live games—all from the comfort of your seat at 30,000 feet!
Once implemented, Wi-Fi access through Starlink will be complimentary for all MileagePlus members, allowing connection across multiple devices under a single account. This move not only enhances the flying experience but also opens doors to new partnerships and additional benefits for United’s loyal flyers.
