United begins Starlink integration on regional aircraft, plans full rollout
CHICAGO - United Airlines in Chicago has installed Starlink satellite internet on its first regional aircraft. The airline plans to equip more than 40 regional aircraft per month beginning in May. By the end of the year, it plans to install Starlink on its entire two-cabin regional fleet. United eventually intends to outfit its entire fleet with the system. Starlink delivers in-flight internet through a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites operated by SpaceX in Hawthorne, Calif.
"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 Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology. "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."
Related: United Airlines inks deal with Starlink to bring free gate-to-gate internet to passengers
United reports that Starlink’s equipment allows for a significantly faster installation process, reducing aircraft downtime. The system can be installed in about eight hours, excluding equipment removal and testing, and aircraft are taken out of service for only four days—less than half the time required for other inflight internet providers.
The Starlink installation kit weighs 85 pounds, compared to up to 300 pounds for other systems, and has no moving parts, simplifying transport, installation, and maintenance. The lower weight also contributes to improved fuel efficiency. The system’s inter-satellite laser link technology provides reliable connectivity regardless of ground weather conditions.
Starlink-equipped regional aircraft can expect Wi-Fi speeds of up to 250 megabits per second, approximately 50 times faster than United's current regional aircraft internet speeds. The service will be free for MileagePlus members.
