United Airlines to Use Starlink on Regional Aircraft

United Airlines has installed SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service on its first regional aircraft this month, with plans to install the service onto over 40 aircraft each month, beginning in May through the end of the year. 

The airline plans to add Starlink to its entire fleet, first working on its two-cabin regional fleet this year. According to the airline, installation time takes about eight hours, which is around 10 times faster than non-Starlink equipment installation times.

The total time for a plane to be out of service for the upgrade is about four days. 

United can now boast about having some of the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, reaching speeds up to 250 Mbps. Since it is satellite-based, poor weather conditions will not impact connectivity, ensuring better reliability for travelers. Major cruise lines have also made the switch in recent years. 

"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 United's VP of Digital Technology, Grant Milstead.

"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," Milstead continued.

The announcement was originally made in September. The regional aircraft with the new installs will test the service ahead of the installation program in May. 

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