Elon Musk’s Starlink to Launch on United Airlines Flights by Spring
United Airlines is set to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service on its flights, with the first commercial launch scheduled for spring. Testing of the high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi will begin in February, starting with the airline’s Embraer E-175 aircraft. United aims to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025, with its first mainline aircraft featuring the service expected to be operational later this year.
Once fully implemented, Starlink will be available across all United flights, offering passengers access to streaming, gaming, online shopping, and more. The service will be free for MileagePlus members, highlighting United’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience.
This partnership between United and Starlink underscores Musk’s expanding influence across industries. As the head of SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, Musk has leveraged his business ventures to make significant inroads into sectors ranging from automotive to telecommunications and now aviation.
United joins a growing list of airlines incorporating high-speed internet into their services. Hawaiian Airlines announced plans to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on Airbus-operated flights to and from the U.S. mainland, Asia, and Oceania. JSX, a semi-private charter airline, already provides complimentary Starlink on its fleet of 46 planes.
Other major airlines have also bolstered their in-flight connectivity offerings. Delta Air Lines began offering free Wi-Fi to SkyMiles loyalty program members in early 2023, while JetBlue Airways has provided free Wi-Fi since 2017.
The in-flight internet market has evolved significantly since Boeing first introduced Connexion in 2003, a service that was discontinued in 2006 due to lack of demand. The growing reliance on connectivity and advancements in technology, however, have made high-speed in-flight internet a competitive standard for modern air travel.
United’s partnership with Starlink marks a significant milestone in this trend, promising faster and more reliable internet access for its passengers.
