United Airlines has signed a major agreement with SpaceX to equip more than 1,000 of its aircraft with Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi service, making United the first airline to provide free, gate-to-gate internet access on this scale.
Starting in early 2025, United will begin testing the service, with passenger flights expected later that year. The Starlink service will allow passengers to access live TV, streaming, shopping, gaming, and more on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.
Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites provide reliable internet, even in remote areas and over oceans, enhancing connectivity where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals are unavailable. United CEO Scott Kirby stated that passengers will soon be able to enjoy the same internet experience at 35,000 feet as they do on the ground.
“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 statement on Friday. “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.”
“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, in a statement. “With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”
The service aims to improve inflight entertainment and productivity, allowing access to live streaming, gaming, online shopping, and real-time customer support through the United app. United’s nearly 100,000 seatback screens will also benefit from the enhanced connectivity, offering content in over 20 languages and more personalized options. This is great news for flyers as high-speed internet will be available in the skies.
The upgrade will also support United’s frontline staff by providing reliable connectivity for operations, even in remote areas or during disruptions like power outages or natural disasters.
