January 25, 2025
United Airlines Announces Accelerated Timeline for Starlink Launch

United Airlines Announces Accelerated Timeline for Starlink Launch

United Airlines has announced an accelerated plan to launch Starlink services, with the first flight expected to take off this spring on an Embraer E-175 aircraft.
A United Airlines Starlink promo poster.
Photo Credit: United Airlines

United Airlines has announced an accelerated plan to bring Starlink, the world’s most advanced in-flight internet service, to its passengers.

Testing begins next month, with the first commercial flight expected to take off this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft.  

By year’s end, United aims to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink. The airline also expects to have its first mainline Starlink-equipped aircraft operational before the end of the year.

Ultimately, United plans to install Starlink on its entire fleet.  

A United Airlines 787 at Christchurch Airport.
Photo Credit: Christchurch International Airport

United Signs Landmark Agreement with SpaceX


Last September, United signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink to its entire fleet. In just a few months, United’s customers will be able to enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they experience on the ground.

This gate-to-gate connectivity will provide an unparalleled in-flight entertainment experience, accessible on both seatback screens and personal devices.  

MileagePlus members will enjoy free access to Starlink, which will offer a game-changing inflight entertainment experience. Passengers can stream movies and shows, shop online, play games, and more. Anyone can sign up for a free MileagePlus membership at this link.  

“We have a lot of exciting plans for our MileagePlus members this year,” said Richard Nunn, CEO of United Airlines MileagePlus.

“A key part of this is bringing Starlink to as many planes as possible, as quickly as possible. Starlink will not only revolutionize the flying experience with United, but it will also unlock new partnerships and benefits for our members.”

The World’s Best Airline Loyalty Program

MileagePlus, recently named the world’s best airline loyalty program, offers a number of valuable benefits to its members:

  • Free to join
  • Free to earn miles
  • Miles never expire
  • No blackout dates for award seats
  • Use miles for almost anything you can pay for with cash at United (seats, Wi-Fi, snacks, etc.)
  • United Airlines is the first major U.S. airline to allow members to pool miles with family and friends.  
4300streetcar, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

MileagePlus Popularity

On average, MileagePlus members fill over 31,000 United seats each day using their miles. This is equivalent to filling roughly 100 Boeing 777 aircraft.

During the summer of 2024, more than three million MileagePlus customers flew on award tickets.  

Botnet Sky, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Starlink revolutionizes global coverage with high-speed, low-latency internet service. Starlink is supported by the world’s first and largest constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.

It delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. Starlink is designed and operated by SpaceX, the world’s leading provider of launch services.

SpaceX leverages its extensive experience with spacecraft and on-orbit operations to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.  

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