A United Airlines Boeing 737-MAX 8 aircraft is seen departing from San Diego International Airport en route to New York on August 24, 2024, in San Diego, California. United Airlines announced on Friday its plans to provide free inflight Wi-Fi using Starlink from Elon Musk’s SpaceX on hundreds of its jetliners, marking the largest inflight internet deal for the satellite service provider to date.
This collaboration comes as airlines are increasingly investing in faster inflight Wi-Fi, often offering it for free, to attract higher-paying customers, such as business travelers. Earlier in 2023, Delta Air Lines declared that onboard internet would be complimentary for members of its SkyMiles loyalty program. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines, which has an agreement with Starlink, also provides complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. JetBlue Airways has been offering free Wi-Fi for several years. SpaceX has also entered into a deal with the semi-private airline JSX.
Currently, United offers inflight internet from various providers, including ViaSat and Panasonic, and charges loyalty program members $8 and others $10 for access on domestic and short-haul international flights. The airline plans to equip more than 1,000 planes with Starlink over the “next several years,” with the first passenger flights expected to feature the service starting early next year. United stated that the Wi-Fi would offer “gate-to-gate” connectivity.
United Airlines commended SpaceX’s satellite service, highlighting its ability to provide “internet access around the world, including over oceans, polar regions, and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.” This capability is a significant advantage for United, the U.S. airline with the most trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific service.
SpaceX has continuously expanded its Starlink network and product offerings since its inception in 2020. As of now, there are approximately 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, connecting over 3 million customers in 100 countries. Initially focused on consumer customers, SpaceX has now ventured into other markets, including aviation.
