United Airlines Receives Federal Approval to Roll Out Starlink Satellite Internet on Regional Jets
United Airlines has officially received federal approval to begin flying its first regional jet equipped with Starlink satellite internet, according to reports from the company. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued certification for the Embraer 175 aircraft, and United has announced that its first customer flight featuring Starlink Wi-Fi will take off in May 2025.
This milestone comes less than eight months after United initially announced its partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. The airline has ambitious plans to install Starlink on approximately 40 regional jets per month, with the goal of upgrading its entire two-cabin regional fleet—consisting of over 300 aircraft—by the end of the year.
In preparation for the widespread rollout, United will conduct testing of the Starlink system on select flights to ensure a seamless passenger experience. Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology, expressed confidence in the new service, stating, “We know customers are going to love this. It’s one more reason to fly United.”
Unlike traditional inflight Wi-Fi systems, Starlink boasts significantly faster speeds of up to 250 Mbps. United has confirmed that the Starlink service will be complimentary for MileagePlus members, offering support for streaming, online shopping, gaming, and more. Membership to the MileagePlus program is free and open to all individuals who sign up online.
Furthermore, United has highlighted the compact and lightweight nature of the Starlink hardware, which facilitates swift installation and contributes to reduced fuel consumption. The airline is actively collaborating with Starlink to obtain certification for all 16 aircraft types within its regional and mainline fleet.
As United Airlines gears up to revolutionize the inflight connectivity experience with Starlink, passengers can look forward to enhanced internet capabilities and a seamless digital journey. Stay tuned for the official launch of Starlink Wi-Fi on United’s regional jets, promising unprecedented connectivity and convenience for travelers.