United to have the first Starlink-equipped aircraft – Washington Examiner
United Airlines is set to become the first airline to equip its aircraft with Starlink internet, following approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This service, expected to launch next month, will provide high-speed internet that remains reliable even in poor weather conditions. All MileagePlus members will have free access to the service, which boasts speeds of 250 megabits per second—considerably faster then current in-flight internet options. The initial implementation will occur on United’s Embraer 175 aircraft, with plans to equip an additional 40 planes monthly, eventually totaling over 300 planes in their fleet. The introduction of Starlink comes after a year of testing and is part of a larger FAA contract involving air traffic control upgrades.
United to have the first Starlink-equipped aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration approved United Airlines planes to be the first with Starlink internet by next month.
This will be the first time air travelers will have access to high-speed internet that is resistant to poor weather conditions.
“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” United’s Vice President of Digital Technology Grant Milstead said in a statement.
Customers will be able to access the internet for free as long as they are MileagePlus members, which is free to join. Starlink’s WiFi speed is reportedly 250 megabits per second, and according to United, this “is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds.”
The move comes over a year after United began testing Starlink equipment on its aircraft. Its Embraer 175 will be the first to implement the service, and another 40 planes will add it monthly until over 300 aircraft in United’s fleet have the technology.
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With every addition, United will have to receive further Supplemental Type Certificates from the FAA.
The FAA has a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon to run the nation’s air traffic control system.
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