United Airlines has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX to provide free, high-speed internet to passengers through the Starlink satellite network. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the in-flight experience by offering reliable, fast internet access from gate to gate, setting a new standard in the aviation industry.
United Airlines, based in Chicago, has inked the largest deal of its kind in the aviation sector with SpaceX, headquartered in Brownsville, Texas. This agreement will see the Starlink network installed on over 1,000 mainline and regional aircraft. Testing is set to commence in early 2025, with the first flights equipped with the service expected later that year.
Passengers can look forward to a seamless internet experience akin to what they enjoy on the ground. The Starlink network, renowned for its high-speed, low-latency capabilities, will support a range of activities, from streaming live TV and movies to engaging in social media, online shopping, and gaming. This service will be available on both personal devices and seatback screens, ensuring connectivity from the moment passengers board to the time they disembark.
“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,” stated United CEO Scott Kirby. “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.”
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United’s crew, including pilots and flight attendants, will also benefit significantly from this enhanced connectivity. The ability to stay connected during flights and in remote locations will improve operational efficiency and safety, particularly during disruptions like power outages or natural disasters.
“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience,” said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. “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.”
United plans to equip its entire fleet, encompassing both mainline and regional aircraft, with the Starlink system over the next several years. This agreement represents the largest deal of its kind in the aviation industry, highlighting United’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience through technological innovation.
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The airline currently boasts nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet, and this number is set to increase as existing aircraft are retrofitted with new interiors and new planes are delivered. These seatback screens, available in multiple languages, will range from 10 to 16 inches depending on the cabin class, offering personalized content and a more engaging in-flight entertainment experience.
In addition to Starlink connectivity, United’s updated aircraft interiors will feature Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets at every seat, larger overhead bins, and enhanced lighting. These upgrades are part of United’s broader strategy to provide a superior travel experience, combining comfort and convenience with cutting-edge technology.
United Airlines is not the first to adopt Starlink’s advanced technology. Hawaiian Airlines began offering free Starlink access earlier this year, and regional carrier JSX has been using the service since 2022. Delta Airlines also announced free internet access on most of its flights last year. Despite some skepticism from other airlines, such as Frontier Airlines, which cited cost concerns, the trend towards offering free in-flight WiFi is gaining momentum.
