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United Airlines Secures FAA Approval for Starlink Wi-Fi, First Flight Set for May

United Airlines will debut free, high-speed Starlink internet on its Embraer 175 aircraft, with plans to retrofit its regional fleet by the end of 2025.

United Airlines planes land and prepare to take off at Newark Liberty International Airport during the week of Thanksgiving in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. November 27, 2024. REUTERS/Vincent Alban/File Photo
United Airlines will begin offering Starlink Wi-Fi in May on some flights.
A lady enjoying fast Wi-Fi enabled by Starlink in an United Airlines flight.
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Overview

  • The FAA has approved United Airlines to operate Starlink satellite internet on its Embraer 175 aircraft, marking a major regulatory milestone.
  • United's first Starlink-equipped commercial flight is scheduled for May 2025, following beta testing on select flights to ensure system performance.
  • The airline plans to retrofit 40 regional jets per month and complete installations across its fleet of 300 Embraer 175 aircraft by the end of the year.
  • Starlink Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 250 Mbps, will be free for MileagePlus members and enable streaming, gaming, and online shopping during flights.
  • United is collaborating with SpaceX and the FAA to secure certification for over 16 additional aircraft models to expand Starlink connectivity across its fleet.