United has made a significant leap forward in inflight connectivity, announcing a partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet service to its entire fleet. The agreement will provide passengers with Wi-Fi access from gate to gate.
With the new partnership, United becomes the first major U.S. airline to utilize Starlink Wi-Fi. Latvia’s airBaltic uses the technology on its fleet of Airbus A220s, while JSX leverages it on the carrier’s Embraer aircraft.
The airline says that Starlink’s satellite technology will deliver speeds comparable to those on the ground, allowing passengers to stream movies and TV shows, browse the internet, play games, and more without interruptions. The service will be available on both seatback screens and personal devices.
United plans to equip both its mainline and regional fleets with Starlink over the next few years. Testing is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and the carrier says passengers can expect to see the new technology onboard flights late next 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 United CEO Scott Kirby in a news release. “This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”
Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites offer coverage even in remote areas. The service will be particularly beneficial for those traveling to or from international destinations, where traditional Wi-Fi options may be limited, United notes.
The airline says Starlink Wi-Fi will be free on its flights, joining Delta and JetBlue who also offer complimentary inflight connectivity.
