United has completed the rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi on its first aircraft. The airline plans to start by equipping regional jets, with its entire two-class regional fleet complete by the end of 2025.
The first aircraft to receive Starlink is a SkyWest-operated Embraer E175 with registration N127SY. United says installation of the technology takes an average of eight hours, about 10 times faster than non-Starlink equipment.
United will offer Starlink for free to its MileagePlus members. According to the carrier, passengers on board Starlink-equipped regional aircraft can expect Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds.
In a Friday news release, United touted Starlink’s efficiency, particularly in terms of fuel savings. The Wi-Fi service’s equipment weighs 85 pounds and is weatherproofed.
“Our ability to roll-out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology and team of experts at United,” said United’s VP of digital technology, Grant Milstead, in the release. “Starlink has been a terrific partner – our combined spirit of innovation and collaboration will enable us to hit our goal of more than 300 regional aircraft installations before the end of this year.”
Elon Musk’s Starlink has quickly become a popular pick for airlines worldwide, including Qatar Airways, Air France, and airBaltic. In the U.S., Hawaiian has Starlink on all its Airbus jets, and Alaska is eyeing the service for its fleet.
By the end of this year, United will debut Starlink on its first mainline aircraft. Ultimately, the airline’s entire fleet will feature the service.
