SpaceX launched 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites in orbit aboard its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Sunday morning.
United Airlines’ first mainline Starlink-equipped flight is ready for takeoff.
United flight 2940 is taking off Wednesday from Newark/New York to Houston, the airline announced, “marking the first time a major U.S. airline has offered Starlink Wi-Fi on a mainline flight with connectivity across both personal devices and inflight entertainment screens.”
United plans to install Elon Musk’s Starlink “on up to 15 mainline 737-800 planes each month,” according to a press release. More than half of the company’s regional fleet already offers Starlink to customers, following its launch in May.
“We’re committed to raising the bar when it comes to the onboard experience, and with Starlink, we’re changing how people fly,” David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, said in a statement.
UNITED AIRLINES RECEIVES FAA APPROVAL FOR FIRST STARLINK-EQUIPPED PLANE, SCHEDULES FIRST FLIGHT FOR MAY
United Airlines said in a press release that it will install two Starlink antennas on each 737-800 aircraft. (United Airlines / Fox News)
“Whether it’s catching a live game, streaming an award show or working, United customers won’t miss a beat when they’re onboard a Starlink-equipped flight,” he said.
United says passengers can access the high-speed internet on multiple devices at once.
UNITED AIRLINES ANNOUNCES ‘ACCELERATED’ STARLINK TIMELINE FOR PASSENGERS
A man games on a smartphone at the same time as his seatback screen is illuminated with entertainment options. United Airlines did not share where or when this photo was taken. (United Airlines / Fox News)
The airline plans to expand Starlink to additional aircraft types by the end of the year.
Starlink access will be free for all customers who are part of the MileagePlus airline loyalty program.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. | 99.25 | +2.58 | +2.67% |
United originally announced signing a deal with Starlink more than a year ago.
An undisclosed airport sign advertises Starlink aboard United Airlines’ flights. (United Airlines / Fox News)
Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, has inked deals with multiple airlines to provide in-flight internet services as it seeks to expand its reach beyond consumers and households in rural areas around the world with little to no internet access.
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Back in May 2024, Carnival Corporation announced that all of its ships offer internet service via Starlink.
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