United Moves Forward Starlink Debut

The carrier will roll-out free Wi-Fi in the coming months.

A SkyWest Embraer 175 aircraft in Vail, Colorado (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ News ]January 5, 2025 1:30 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

United will accelerate the roll-out of free Starlink Wi-Fi, the carrier said on Sunday. The Chicago-based airline first announced an agreement with Elon Musk’s satellite Wi-Fi provider in September.

By the end of 2025, United says it will equip its two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink. The first aircraft ‒ an Embraer E175 ‒ will now feature upgraded internet service by the spring.

Initially, United planned to roll out Starlink in late 2025. Its first Starlink-enabled mainline aircraft will begin offering the service by the end of this year.

The carrier plans to equip its entire fleet with Starlink internet, which will be free for MileagePlus members. “This gate-to-gate connectivity will enable experiences in the sky at scale that no other major U.S. airline provides, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously,” United said in a news release.

United will become the first major U.S. carrier to utilize Starlink. JSX uses the technology on its fleet of Embraer jets. Air France also plans to equip its fleet with Starlink.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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