United Airlines deploys Starlink on its first regional aircraft

Revolutionising in-flight connectivity

United Airlines has announced a significant step forward in its efforts to enhance passenger experience by installing Starlink satellite internet on its first regional aircraft. The airline revealed key details of the installation process, showcasing the technological advantages, including the equipment’s lightweight, streamlined nature and ease of installation and maintenance.

The move forms part of United’s ambitious plan to outfit over 40 regional aircraft with Starlink each month, beginning in May and continuing until the end of 2025. The process is expected to dramatically reduce the time required for installation, with Starlink’s system taking just eight hours on average to install, excluding any de-installation, testing, or modification work. This is approximately ten times faster than the installation of traditional inflight equipment.

Earlier this year, United confirmed its intention to have Starlink installed across its two-cabin regional fleet by the end of the year and extend the service across its entire fleet.

Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology, praised the speed and efficiency of the rollout, saying, “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.

“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.”

Starlink promises to benefit customers and United’s operations significantly. The satellite technology will provide passengers with the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in the sky, free of charge, and new onboard entertainment options such as streaming services, gaming, and shopping. For the airline itself, the equipment offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solution compared to previous systems.

One of the standout advantages of Starlink’s system is the dramatically reduced downtime. United expects each aircraft to be out of service for just four days during the installation process, a stark contrast to the ten or more days it typically takes for other inflight service providers. This reduction in downtime allows United to maximise the efficiency of its fleet and minimise disruption to schedules.

Another key benefit of Starlink is its streamlined and lightweight design. The installation kit for Starlink weighs just 85 pounds, in stark contrast to other inflight kits that can weigh up to 300 pounds. The system is electronically steered and contains no moving parts, making it easier to transport and install and requiring far less maintenance.

The installation process itself is straightforward. Upon taking an aircraft out of service, United’s team first removes the existing Wi-Fi system before installing Starlink’s equipment, which includes an internal reinforcement structure, an external antenna, and cabin wireless access points. After installation, system checks are conducted before the aircraft is returned to service.

The lightweight Starlink system also saves fuel, as the aircraft requires less fuel than planes with other inflight systems. Additionally, Starlink’s technology ensures reliable connectivity even in challenging weather conditions, thanks to its weather-proof inter-satellite laser link technology. This allows seamless satellite communication, providing a continuous connection not hindered by adverse weather on the ground.

United’s Starlink-equipped aircraft will benefit from Starlink’s global low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, which automatically switches between satellites to provide optimal coverage and the most reliable Wi-Fi experience for passengers.

Onboard, passengers can expect Wi-Fi speeds of up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps)—approximately 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. United has confirmed that all MileagePlus members will have free access to Starlink’s high-speed internet and the newly added in-flight entertainment options.

Customers can sign up for MileagePlus membership at no cost and access these premium services. For further details on the Starlink service and how to join, passengers are encouraged to visit united.com/starlink.

Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using low Earth orbit technology. It offers high-speed, low-latency internet globally, enabling streaming, gaming, video calls, and more.

Image: Starlink promises to benefit customers and United’s operations significantly. Credit: United Airlines