Early this morning via @Starlink space lasers, the Polaris Dawn crew chatted with SpaceX teams over coffee and donuts 🍩🛰️ pic.twitter.com/nZ9v0VSyr5
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 14, 2024
United Airlines has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s fast, reliable Wi-Fi service to its mainline and regional aircraft fleet, free of charge. United customers will soon be able to enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they have on the ground. Passengers will have access to live TV, streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming, and more, available on both seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.
The world's most advanced high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to United with @Starlink. For free.
You’ll be able to stream, game, shop and more on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously. Expect the same internet you get on the ground… at 35,000 feet. We expect to have… pic.twitter.com/M6ZihBBEnb
— United Airlines (@united) September 13, 2024
United expects to have Starlink on all its aircraft over the next several years, with testing commencing in early 2025 and the first passenger flights anticipated later that year. United will be the first airline globally to commit to offering Starlink service at such a scale. This service will include experiences like live streaming, workplace productivity, gaming, e-commerce, and live support through the United app.
I spoke to @united Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo about the airline's Starlink and free WiFi plans. She described the switch as similar to when internet users upgraded from dial up to cable modems (who can forget the sound?) https://t.co/AnoQM0aAGz
— Edward Russell (@ByERussell) September 13, 2024
United to introduce free Starlink WiFi
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby remarked, “Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world. This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that’s more personalized.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, added, “We’re excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience.
With Starlink onboard your United flight, you’ll have access to the world’s most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between.”
The service, which will be free for all passengers aboard United’s more than 1,000 planes, will allow multiple devices to connect simultaneously. United plans to begin testing Starlink’s service in early 2025 and will expand to more flights later in the year after receiving approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). United’s chief customer officer, Linda Jojo, emphasized that free WiFi has become a highly sought-after amenity for travelers.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re sitting on the plane, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for your ticket, you’re going to benefit from the service,” she said. This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the passenger experience with cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard for connectivity in the aviation industry.
