United Airlines has made significant progress in equipping its fleet with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, aiming to have roughly half of its mainline aircraft outfitted by the end of 2026. The airline has already installed the service on 17 Boeing 737NG regional jets, following earlier installations on 325 regional aircraft, and is planning further expansion to its Airbus A321neos, Boeing 737 MAX, and widebody fleet.
Grant Milstead, vice president for digital technology at United, explained that the airline is in a competitive race to determine which widebody aircraft will be the first to receive Starlink. Both Boeing 787-8s and Boeing 777-200s are undergoing certification processes, with installations expected to commence in May. The airline anticipates that its entire fleet will have access to the system by the end of 2027.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. United announced its partnership with SpaceX in September 2024, and currently over 25% of its daily departures—around 1,200 flights—are equipped with the service. The airline plans to seek FAA approval for extending Starlink installation across more aircraft types to improve passenger connectivity.
"Our customers have exceeded our expectations in the last six months," said Milstead. "We are seeing incredible engagement, with passengers using Starlink in various ways, from real estate offers to business startups. We see this as a game-changer for onboard connectivity."
United remains committed to expanding its Starlink-enabled fleet, recognizing the importance of reliable, high-speed internet for passenger experience and competitive advantage in the aviation industry.
