“Sky-High Speed: United Airlines to Break Ground with In-Flight Starlink Trials”

United Airlines to Roll Out SpaceX’s Starlink on Flights

In a significant move, United Airlines has announced plans to start testing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service on its flights in February. The company aims to integrate Starlink into its entire fleet, making it the latest airline to partner with SpaceX for inflight Wi-Fi.

The testing phase is expected to begin on a United Embraer E-175 in the spring, followed by the installation of Starlink on the airline’s two-cabin regional fleet throughout 2025. United has promised to have its first mainline Starlink-enabled plane in the air before the end of the year.

The Starlink service will be available for free to all members of United’s MileagePlus program. The airline sees this partnership as an opportunity to enhance the in-flight experience and unlock new benefits for its members. It is likely that United will explore new partnerships with streaming services to offer more free content during flights.

United is joining Delta and Hawaiian Airlines in partnering with Starlink for inflight Wi-Fi. SpaceX initially announced plans to offer 350 Mbps internet speeds to planes in 2022. Both Delta and Hawaiian Airlines have either tested Starlink or committed to offering it on their planes.

The expansion of Starlink is significant, with SpaceX testing its direct-to-cell satellite service with T-Mobile during Hurricane Marilyn’s landfall in the US. The company has also planned a larger beta test of the service for February and launched a nationwide satellite texting service in New Zealand.

FAQs:

Q: When will United Airlines start testing Starlink on its flights?
A: United Airlines is expected to start testing Starlink on its flights in February.

Q: Which planes will be the first to have Starlink installed?
A: The first plane to have Starlink installed will be a United Embraer E-175, followed by the airline’s two-cabin regional fleet.

Q: Will Starlink be available for free to all United Airlines passengers?
A: Starlink will be available for free to all members of United’s MileagePlus program.

Q: What is the expected internet speed for Starlink on United Airlines’ planes?
A: According to SpaceX, Starlink is expected to offer speeds of up to 350 Mbps to planes.

Q: Which other airlines have partnered with Starlink for inflight Wi-Fi?
A: Delta and Hawaiian Airlines have also partnered with Starlink for inflight Wi-Fi.

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Conclusion:

United Airlines’ decision to partner with SpaceX’s Starlink for inflight Wi-Fi is a significant step forward in enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers. The airline’s commitment to integrating Starlink into its entire fleet will provide passengers with a faster and more reliable internet connection. As Starlink continues to expand its services, it will be interesting to see how airlines like United adapt to the new technology and how passengers respond to the improved in-flight experience.