Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service set to debut on United Airlines aircraft by springtime
United is set to commence Starlink trials in February, and their initial commercial journey with this service is scheduled for this spring, utilizing their Embraer E-175 aircraft. By the close of 2025, United aims to equip their entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink, with their first mainline aircraft equipped for Starlink-enabled flights taking off by year's end.
Eventually, Starlink will be accessible on every United flight.
Elon Musk, who presides over a spectrum of companies, encompassing electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and Starlink's SpaceX parent company, has leveraged his business empire and substantial wealth to exert influence that transcends the tech realm. The United partnership is yet another indicator of how his ventures have infiltrated various sectors of the American economy.
All United MileagePlus members will enjoy complimentary access to Starlink, which encompasses streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more. United and Starlink sealed this agreement in September.
United is not the sole airline offering high-speed internet on flights. In September, Hawaiian Airlines revealed that Starlink would be offered at no cost to passengers on Airbus-operated flights connecting the islands to the continental United States, Asia, and Oceania. Additionally, semi-private JetSquareX (JSX) offers Starlink Wi-Fi for free on their fleet of 46 aircraft.
Delta Air Lines announced in early 2023 that their SkyMiles program members would benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi. JetBlue Airways has provided free internet access on flights since 2017.
In-flight internet has existed since 2003, when Boeing unveiled Connexion, its service. Boeing eventually discontinued Connexion in 2006 after the market failed to mature as anticipated.
CNN's Clare Duffy played a part in this report.
Starlink's eventual integration into United's entire fleet signifies a significant expansion of Elon Musk's business influence in the aviation sector. United's business partnership with Starlink also grants complimentary Starlink access to all United MileagePlus members, offering a variety of services including streaming, shopping, and gaming.
