CHICAGO - United Airlines in Chicago announced plans to accelerate its deployment of Starlink in-flight internet, with testing scheduled to begin next month and the first commercial flight expected this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft.
The airline aims to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of the year, with the first mainline aircraft featuring the high-speed internet service also entering service before year’s end. Eventually, the airline plans to install Starlink on its entire fleet. Starlink delivers in-flight internet through a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites operated by SpaceX in Hawthorne, Calif.
Aircraft equipped with phased-array antennas on their fuselages maintain connections with the satellites, ensuring service during flight. Data is transmitted between the aircraft and satellites, which relay it to ground-based internet gateways linked to terrestrial networks.
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As the aircraft moves, the antenna seamlessly switches between satellites in the constellation to maintain uninterrupted connectivity. The signal is distributed onboard via Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to connect using personal devices or seatback screens.
"We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the center of it all," said Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus. "It's not only going to revolutionize the experience of flying United, but it's also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldn't be possible."
United MileagePlus members will have free access to Starlink, enabling activities such as streaming, online shopping, and gaming during flights. Membership in the program is free and can be obtained through the airline’s website.
The announcement follows United’s September agreement with SpaceX, which was the largest deal of its kind in the aviation industry. Starlink promises to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service throughout flights, allowing passengers to stay connected from gate to gate on seatback screens or personal devices.
