United Airlines has announced plans to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, marking the largest aviation deal for SpaceX’s satellite internet division to date.
The service, which will be available on over 1,000 United aircraft, is part of the airline’s effort to enhance customer experience by providing faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
The move follows a trend in the aviation industry, with airlines increasingly investing in high-speed Wi-Fi to attract premium passengers, including business travelers. Competitors like Delta Air Lines began offering complimentary Wi-Fi to SkyMiles loyalty members in early 2023, while JetBlue Airways has long provided free onboard internet. Hawaiian Airlines and the semi-private carrier JSX have also partnered with Starlink to offer Wi-Fi services.
Currently, United charges passengers for internet access, with loyalty program members paying $8 and others $10 for domestic and short-haul international flights. The airline currently utilizes a mix of internet providers, including ViaSat and Panasonic. With the new Starlink service, however, United promises “gate-to-gate” connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey.
Starlink’s global satellite network, with over 6,000 satellites in orbit, provides internet access in remote locations, including over oceans and polar regions. This feature is particularly valuable for United, which operates extensive transatlantic and transpacific routes.
The first United flights equipped with Starlink are expected to launch in early 2025, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). United CEO Scott Kirby praised the new service, emphasizing that passengers will soon be able to use the internet on board as seamlessly as they do on the ground.
CNBC, Market Watch, Forbes, and the Verge contributed to this report.
