United Airlines is soaring into the future of inflight connectivity, successfully installing Starlink on its first regional aircraft. The move marks a major milestone in aviation technology, promising internet speeds up to 50 times faster than traditional inflight Wi-Fi.
A Game-Changer for Inflight Connectivity
Passengers often struggle with sluggish, unreliable Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet, but United’s collaboration with Starlink aims to change that. Unlike conventional satellite internet, Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites deliver high-speed, low-latency connections, enabling passengers to stream, work, and browse just as they would on the ground.
One of the standout features of United’s Starlink rollout is its remarkably fast installation process. While other inflight Wi-Fi systems require more than 10 days per aircraft, Starlink can be installed in just four days. This efficiency allows United to accelerate its deployment, with plans to outfit over 40 aircraft per month starting in May 2025.
“The Living Room in the Sky”
Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology, described the initiative as “kind of enabling the living room in the sky experience.” This means travelers can expect seamless connectivity for streaming services, video conferencing, and high-speed browsing—something previously unheard of in aviation.
United first announced its aggressive Starlink expansion in January 2025, right before the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The move aligns with the airline’s broader digital transformation strategy, ensuring that passengers can enjoy best-in-class Wi-Fi on both domestic and international routes.
What This Means for Air Travel
With faster, more reliable inflight Wi-Fi, United is setting a new industry standard. Competitors will likely follow suit, pushing airlines to invest in better connectivity options. This also opens the door for enhanced inflight services, from real-time digital entertainment to improved customer experiences.
As United Airlines accelerates its Starlink rollout, passengers can look forward to an era where inflight internet isn’t just a luxury—it’s an expectation.
