- FAA Certification for Mainline Starlink: United has received FAA certification for its first mainline Starlink-equipped aircraft (a Boeing 737-800), with the first commercial flight scheduled for October 15 from Newark/New York.
- Rapid Rollout and Positive Feedback: Starlink is already installed on over half of United’s regional fleet (approximately 50 jets per month), with 90% of customers giving positive feedback on the high-speed, reliable connection.
- Free High-Speed Wi-Fi: Starlink offers the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky (up to 250 Mbps) and will be free for all MileagePlus members, enabling streaming, gaming, shopping, and more.
- Technical Benefits and Further Expansion: The Starlink system is lighter and more reliable, leading to easier installation and less fuel consumption. United is pursuing FAA STCs for over 16 aircraft models to expand the service across its fleet.
United Airlines is taking a fantastic leap forward in enhancing the inflight experience, having proudly received FAA certification for its first mainline Starlink-equipped aircraft. This exciting development means that the first commercial flight with Starlink onboard a Boeing 737-800 is wonderfully planned to depart from Newark/New York on October 15. It’s a testament to United’s rapid progress, achieving this less than five months after the initial Starlink-equipped regional flight and less than a year since their landmark agreement with SpaceX.
Customers are already loving the Starlink experience on regional aircraft, with an impressive 90 percent appreciating the ability to stream with Starlink’s high-speed, easy-to-use, and consistent connection. Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology, enthusiastically shared that this superior inflight experience will now reach even more people on mainline aircraft, opening up game-changing entertainment options like streaming services, shopping, and gaming. United is diligently working to install Starlink on approximately 50 regional jets each month and is actively securing FAA certifications for over 16 total aircraft models.
The FAA certification process rigorously ensures safe and reliable operations, and Starlink’s system, being lighter and more reliable, allows for faster and simpler installation, leading to reduced fuel consumption and improved weather resistance. The best part is that Starlink’s incredibly fast Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 250 megabits per second, will be completely free for all MileagePlus members. Membership to MileagePlus is also free, making it incredibly easy for everyone to enjoy this revolutionary onboard connectivity. This initiative truly highlights United’s commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional experiences for its valued passengers.
