ALBAWABA – United Airlines, a major US airline, now offers Wi-Fi services to its passengers through Starlink, the world’s first and largest satellite constellation, funded and owned by Elon Musk.
United Airlines installed Starlink terminal
The US airline installed its first Starlink terminal on one of its regional aircraft. United Airlines is now the first major airline to install and use Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service in-flight, reportedly offering speeds 50 times faster than typical internet on other regional aircraft.
Notably, SpaceX, the American space technology company, will equip 1,000 United Airlines planes with Wi-Fi terminals. For now, the Wi-Fi service will be available for free to members of the MileagePlus loyalty program.
United Airlines is now the first major airline to install and use Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service in-flight. (Shutterstock)
Monal Merchant, United Airlines Technical Operation Manager said: “Just imagine that high-speed internet 30,000 plus feet in the air, seamless connectivity. It’s a very innovative, revolutionary system, which also brings in a lot of efficiencies for the airline.”
United Airlines is planning to equip about 40 airplanes each month with Starlink terminals starting May 2025. Passengers will be able to enjoy multiple services, including watching movies and TV, shopping online, and connecting multiple devices.
“When you actually know that you can stream onboard and you don’t have to spend the night before downloading 12 episodes of Bluey, it just destresses the whole experience,” stated Doug Stoltz, United’s director of cabin systems engineering.
