United to offer free Starlink high-speed internet service on flights
First airline in the world to do so
United Airlines has become the first airline in the world to sign a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX. The leading carrier will integrate SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet service across its mainline and regional aircraft fleet.
The deal includes over 1,000 aircraft and is the largest in the aviation industry.
This move positions United as the first airline globally to implement Starlink on a massive scale, effectively outdoing Arabian Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, which typically announce ‘world firsts’.
By becoming the first US and global carrier to deploy free Starlink high-speed internet service on its flights, United has now pioneered and set the benchmark for the world’s airlines to offer free high-speed internet connectivity to their passengers on all flights.
The innovative collaboration will bring United’s travellers the same fast, reliable internet connectivity they experience on the ground. Set to roll out over the next few years; the service will enable passengers to enjoy a wide range of free digital experiences during their United flights. These include live TV, streaming services, social media access, online shopping, and gaming, all available on seatback screens and personal devices.
Testing in 2025
United plans to equip its more than 1,000 aircraft with Starlink technology. Testing will begin in early 2025, and the first passenger flights featuring the revolutionary Starlink high-speed internet service are expected later that year.
Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite network, designed and operated by SpaceX, offers global internet coverage, including over oceans, polar regions, and other remote areas that traditional cell or Wi-Fi services cannot reach. This extensive coverage will allow United to provide uninterrupted connectivity on all routes, including transatlantic and transpacific flights.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said: “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.
“This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience in every seatback – more content that is more personalised. United’s culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers.”
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, added: “We are excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience. With Starlink onboard your United flight, you will have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate and all the miles in between.”
The new Starlink service on board all United flights will offer:
- Live streaming: Seamless access to personal streaming services and live TV without interruptions.
- Workplace productivity: Real-time document downloads, uploads, and collaborative editing.
- Gaming: Access to live games and gaming streaming services.
- E-commerce: Online shopping, grocery delivery scheduling, and restaurant and travel reservations from your seat.
- Multiple device connectivity: Connecting several devices under one user account.
- Live support: Real-time assistance via the United app, including support from a live agent through Agent on Demand.
In addition to personal devices, Starlink connectivity will enhance United’s seatback screens. The airline boasts 100,000 seatback screens and plans to expand with new aircraft deliveries and cabin retrofits. United’s new signature interiors feature 16-inch HD touch screens in business class, 13-inch screens in first class, and 10-inch in economy, along with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets, larger overhead bins, and LED lighting.
The service will also support United’s frontline employees, equipping pilots, flight attendants, technicians, and gate agents with robust connectivity in remote locations and during power outages or natural disasters.
United has a history of leading innovations in the airline industry, including:
- Mobile app with live activities: World’s most downloaded airline app with real-time flight updates.
- ConnectionSaver: Optimisation of flight connections by holding departures for late-arriving passengers.
- Free family seating: Children under 12 can sit beside an accompanying adult at no extra charge.
- Real-time text updates, Personalised trip updates, and live radar maps via AI tools.
- Automatic rebooking assistance: Self-service tools for rebooking, bag tracking, and more.
- Wheelchair booking tool: Digital sizing to match wheelchairs with suitable aircraft.
- Agent on demand: Virtual customer service for real-time support.
- Miles pooling: Allowing MileagePlus members to pool miles with family and friends.
Featured image: The Starlink high-speed internet service will enable passengers to enjoy free digital experiences during their United flights. Credit: United Airlines
