United Airlines Pioneers Starlink-Equipped Mainline Flight
On October 15, 2025, United Airlines marked a significant achievement by launching its first commercial flight equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi on a mainline aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 took off from Newark Liberty International Airport, heralding a new era in aviation connectivity.
The FAA-certified Starlink system provides passengers with internet speeds of up to 250 megabits per second. This speed is sufficient for streaming, gaming, and video calls. Moreover, it’s completely free for all MileagePlus members.
“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,”
— Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology.
United has already installed Starlink on more than half of its regional fleet, achieving a 90% customer satisfaction rate. The airline’s future plans include:
- Equipping approximately 50 aircraft per month with Starlink technology
- Expanding the technology across 16 different aircraft models
This represents the largest Starlink deal with an airline to date, positioning United as a leader in aviation connectivity.