Popular airline trialing Elon Musk's Starlink giving passengers speedy internet
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A popular airline is looking to implement satellite Wi-Fi onboard its aircraft, meaning customers will be able to use fast internet while up in the clouds. United Airlines has announced a deal inked with Elon Musk's Starlink, promising customers that it would offer "fast, reliable Wi-Fi service" on its mainline and regional aircraft for free, according to USA Today Travel. The promise could be in place as soon as spring 2025, United said back in September.
Starlink is essentially a high-speed, low-latency internet. It is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, and can deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. On Sunday, United Airlines stated that it had accelerated its planned timeline, as testing is due to begin next month. Following testing, United's two-cabin regional fleet will be outfitted with Starlink and the first Starlkink-enabled plane flying on major routes before the end of the year.
Eventually, the airline hopes to add Starlink to its entire fleet of aircraft. "We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the centre of it all," said Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus. "It's not only going to revolutionise the experience of flying United, but it's also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldn't be possible.".
To access the Starlink Wi-Fi, passengers must be a MileagePlus member, which is part of United’s loyalty programme and is free to join. Wi-Fi access is set to include in-flight entertainment options such as streaming services, shopping and gaming. Internet connectivity will also be available on seatback screens and personal devices.
