Photo: shutterstock United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, announced in January of this year a significant step that will change the flying experience for millions of passengers in the U.S. - the installation of the groundbreaking satellite internet - Starlink.
Now the aviation giant announces today (Friday) on its official accounts that the system has already been installed in the first regional aircraft of the Embraer type, and the rest of the fleet will undergo the upgrade soon.
This means that passengers will be able to enjoy streaming, browsing, and online gaming via the world's advanced satellite internet.
The first Starlink service has already been installed on the company's Embraer E-175 regional aircraft.
United plans to complete the installation of the system across the entire regional fleet by the end of the year and to add the first main flight routes to this service before the end of 2025.
Last August, United signed the largest agreement of its kind in the industry with SpaceX, the company that operates Starlink, with the aim of bringing its high-speed internet service to its entire fleet.
The connection will enable high-speed browsing on both passengers' personal devices and on seat screens, from takeoff to landing - an experience that United claims has not been seen on this scale in U.S. airlines.
Free Internet for MileagePlus Members
The best news is that Starlink internet will be available for free to all MileagePlus members of United Airlines.
"Connecting to the internet during flights has become a basic need for many," says a senior official at United Airlines. "The launch of Starlink is an important step in enhancing our customer experience, and we are happy to offer fast and free internet to all our members."
Starlink: The Satellite Internet Revolution Comes to the Skies
The Starlink technology provides fast internet with low latency to users around the world. As the world's first and largest satellite array in low earth orbit, Starlink enables high-quality broadband connection capable of supporting content streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more - from anywhere.
Starlink was developed and is operated by SpaceX, the world's leading space company for satellite launch services. Thanks to SpaceX's extensive experience in space and orbital operations, it has succeeded in deploying and operating the most advanced satellite internet system in the world, providing broad global coverage and innovative communication solutions for private and business users.
Now, with its entry into the aviation sector, Starlink brings the benefits of high-speed internet to the skies, upgrading the passenger experience to new levels of connectivity and availability - without relying on ground infrastructure.
