United Airlines speeds up Starlink deployment, offering faster inflight internet by spring 2025
United Airlines has announced an accelerated timeline to equip its fleet with Starlink’s industry-leading inflight connectivity, promising faster and more reliable internet for business travellers by the end of 2025.
This news is particularly relevant to UK-based business travellers who frequently fly with United, as the rollout of Starlink will enhance inflight productivity and entertainment. High-speed, low-latency internet access will allow passengers to engage in seamless video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and entertainment streaming during their flights, significantly improving the overall travel experience.
United will begin testing Starlink on its Embraer E-175 aircraft next month, with the first commercial flight expected this spring. The airline plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025, while the first mainline aircraft equipped with Starlink is set to take off before the year’s end. Ultimately, United aims to bring Starlink connectivity to its entire fleet.
MileagePlus members will benefit from free access to this advanced connectivity, which will support a wide range of inflight entertainment options, including streaming services, online shopping and gaming. Membership to the loyalty programme is free, and customers can sign up now at united.com/starlink.
Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative:
We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the centre of it all. It’s not only going to revolutionise the experience of flying United, but it’s also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the development:
Reliable, high-speed inflight internet is a game-changer for our clients who travel regularly for business. United’s partnership with Starlink will enable our customers to stay connected and productive throughout their flights, making business travel more efficient and enjoyable.
United’s commitment to providing robust inflight connectivity follows its landmark agreement with SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk, in September, representing the largest agreement of its kind in the airline industry. The Starlink system, designed and operated by SpaceX, uses a low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls, mirroring the speed and reliability of ground-based connections.
For more information about United flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
