Federal regulators took place on Monday as United Airlines collaborated with Starlink to launch their first commercial flights on Wi-Fi systems in May, according to the airline.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of satellite internet from Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, on United’s Embraer 175 aircraft. I said. (Related: The FAA reportedly is considering a $2 billion air traffic control agreement replacing Verizon with Musk’s Starlink.)
Starlink is a satellite internet network aimed at providing high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity around the world, including places where the internet is traditionally too high, reliable and completely unavailable. Website.
“The FAA has approved the first aircraft equipped with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. The green light means we expect Starlinks to be installed on more than 40 planes a month.
The FAA has approved the first aircraft equipped with the fastest Wi-Fi in the air. That green light means we expect StarLinks to be installed on more than 40 planes a month, with all our regional fleets being equipped by the end of the year.
First passenger flight allowed for customers… pic.twitter.com/di9lryfdg3
– United Airlines (@united) March 31, 2025
The airline claimed this was the first passenger flight that allowed customers to use their mobile devices so they could do it at home or at the office.
According to a press release, the company plans to conduct a beta test of Starlink prior to its first customer flight.
United claimed that Starlink is 50 times faster than the internet service currently offered on local passenger aircraft. The company also said the service is free for MileagePlus members, a free frequent flyer program.
The airline signed a contract with Starlink in September, setting a goal of installing Starlink on more than 1,000 planes over several years. According to Investopedia.
In January, United announced a quick timeline to bring StarLink to its customers. press release.
“We’ve been planning a lot this year for MileagePlus members, and we’re adding StarLink to as many planes as possible, as quickly as possible.” Richard Nun said.
