United Airlines has announced exciting developments regarding its in-flight connectivity services. This spring, the airline plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi, a service provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, following an accelerated timeline for deployment. The first commercial flight showcasing Starlink is scheduled for spring 2025, and the company aims to have its entire regional fleet equipped with this high-speed internet service by year-end.

Passengers who are members of the airline's MileagePlus loyalty program will enjoy free access to this new service. According to Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, "Adding Starlink to as many planes as we can, as quickly as we can, is at the center of our strategy this year." He emphasized that this development will significantly transform customer experience and unlock multiple new partnerships and benefits for members.

The airline will begin testing Starlink technology in February on Embraer E-175 aircraft, with plans to increase deployment to mainline planes by the end of the year. The Starlink network, known for its low Earth orbit satellites, is described as "the world’s fastest, most reliable connectivity in the sky." This moves forward United's commitment to providing comprehensive and reliable in-flight services, especially as modern travelers demand consistent connectivity.

United's initiative follows similar moves from other airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines and JSX, both of which have adopted Starlink services. Notably, the enhancement of inflight Wi-Fi aligns with a growing trend among carriers to improve service offerings. Starlink's reach continues to expand, with more than 6,000 satellites currently in orbit and plans for even greater coverage in the future, helping airlines keep pace with technological advancements in the aviation industry.

For more information, you can read the original article from LA Times and The Hill.