- United has equipped over 300 regional aircraft with Starlink Wi-Fi in less than ten months.
- Customer satisfaction scores for inflight connectivity have nearly doubled on Starlink-enabled flights.
- The airline plans to have Starlink installed on over 800 total aircraft by the end of 2026.
- New connectivity allows for high-bandwidth activities like live streaming and gaming at 30,000 feet
United Airlines has announced a significant milestone in its fleet-wide connectivity upgrade, completing the installation of Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on over 300 regional aircraft. This rapid rollout, achieved in less than a year, means that more than 25 percent of the airline’s daily departures now offer this advanced satellite service. The transition to Starlink technology has led to a substantial improvement in the passenger experience, with United reporting that customer satisfaction scores for inflight Wi-Fi have nearly doubled on equipped planes. Over the last ten months, more than seven million passengers have utilized the service to power 3.7 million devices across 129,000 flights.
The airline is utilizing the high-profile platform of the upcoming Big Game on February 8 to showcase these capabilities through a new advertising campaign. The commercial emphasizes the “travel truth” that inflight connectivity can now mirror ground-based experiences, such as streaming live sports, engaging in online gaming, and monitoring home security cameras. Historically, these high-bandwidth activities were restricted by the limitations of traditional satellite systems. By the end of 2026, United plans to extend this service to over 500 mainline aircraft, targeting a total of more than 800 Starlink-equipped planes.
The expansion strategy involves securing FAA approval for a variety of aircraft models, including the Boeing 737-900ER, the Airbus A321 family, and Boeing 777s. This will facilitate gate-to-gate connectivity, allowing passengers to remain online from boarding until arrival without interruption. Currently, the service is most prevalent in specific markets such as Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Cincinnati, where more than half of United flights are already equipped. This technological leap is a core component of United’s commitment to modernizing its digital infrastructure and providing reliable, high-speed internet access across its entire global route network.
