Sept. 13 (UPI) — United Airlines on Friday announced it will soon provide free Wi-Fi to passengers provided by Starlink. Service from the satellite Internet constellation operated by SpaceX will be offered on all United mainline and regional flights at no cost to travelers, the company said in a statement.
United expects to install the service on more than 1,000 aircraft “over the next several years,” with testing to begin early next year.
The world’s most advanced high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to United with @Starlink. For free.
You’ll be able to stream, game, shop and more on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously. Expect the same internet you get on the ground… at 35,000 feet. We expect to have… pic.twitter.com/M6ZihBBEnb— United Airlines (@united) September 13, 2024
The airline called the deal “the industry’s largest agreement of its kind with SpaceX,” the Texas-based spacecraft manufacturer, launch service provider and satellite communications company founded by billionaire Elon Musk.
“The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock game-changing experiences in the sky at scale that no other major U.S. airline provides like access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously,” United said.
Passengers will be able to use Starlink Wi-Fi on their personal devices as well as the more than 100,000 seatback screens across the United fleet. The company said it is in the midst of expanding the number of screens, adding new aircraft to its fleet and retrofitting existing ones.
Once fully implemented, the airline said it expects the service will benefit working pilots, flight attendants, technicians and gate agents, which will equate to smoother service for passengers.
“We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the in-flight experience across their fleet of more than 1,000 planes,” SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said on X.
“With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”