United Adds Starlink for Free Wi-Fi on Regional Flights

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CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) has successfully installed Starlink on its first regional aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to offering high-speed inflight connectivity.

The airline aims to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet by year’s end, with over 300 aircraft installations planned before then.

This move underscores the technical advantages of Starlink’s equipment, including faster installation, reduced maintenance, and improved operational efficiency.

Photo: Clément Alloing

United Starlink Wi-Fi on Regional Flights

United Airlines (UA) plans to install Starlink on more than 40 regional aircraft per month starting in May, continuing through the end of 2025.

The installation process takes approximately eight hours, a drastic improvement over the standard non-Starlink equipment installation time, which typically exceeds 80 hours.

By minimizing aircraft downtime, United ensures a more seamless transition while maintaining its flight schedule.

“Our ability to roll out this innovative service at an unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of advanced equipment, technology, and our expert team,” said Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology.

He praised Starlink’s collaboration in helping United accelerate installation efforts across its fleet.

Photo: Colin Brown | Flickr

Advantages of Starlink for United’s Operations

Starlink’s technology brings multiple operational benefits, improving both efficiency and customer experience:

Faster Installation, Minimal Downtime

Each aircraft will be out of service for just four days to accommodate Starlink’s installation, which includes removing existing Wi-Fi equipment, installing the new system, performing system tests, and reassembling necessary components.

Competing inflight connectivity providers require over ten days for similar installations, making Starlink a more efficient solution.

Lightweight and Fuel-Efficient

The entire Starlink kit weighs only 85 pounds, significantly lighter than traditional inflight connectivity systems that can reach up to 300 pounds.

This weight reduction leads to improved fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs and enhancing United’s sustainability efforts.

Streamlined and Reliable System

Starlink’s electronically steered hardware features no moving parts, simplifying installation and lowering maintenance needs.

The system continuously switches between Starlink’s extensive low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, ensuring the most reliable connectivity for passengers.

Additionally, its weather-proofed inter-satellite laser link technology enables uninterrupted communication between satellites, maintaining consistent internet performance even in adverse conditions.

Unmatched Speed and Free Access

Passengers aboard Starlink-equipped regional aircraft can enjoy Wi-Fi speeds of up to 250 Mbps—50 times faster than current regional aircraft offerings.

This high-speed connection allows seamless streaming, gaming, shopping, and browsing at no additional cost for MileagePlus® members.

Since MileagePlus membership is free, all passengers can benefit from this enhanced inflight experience without added expenses.

Photo: United Airlines

Bottom Line

United’s decision to integrate Starlink into its fleet represents a major leap forward in inflight WiFi capabilities.

By prioritizing speed, reliability, and ease of installation, the airline is positioning itself as a leader in passenger-focused technology enhancements.

As the rollout continues, travelers on regional routes can expect a transformative onboard experience, with high-speed connectivity available across more flights in the coming months.

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