United Airlines (UAL.O) announced that it plans to begin testing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in February, with plans to offer connectivity on commercial flights operated by Embraer (EMBR3.SA) E-175 aircraft starting this spring. The airline aims to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025 and have its first Starlink-enabled planes on major routes by the year’s close.
While Starlink will be available on all flights in the future, access will be free for MileagePlus members, marking a shift from the airline’s initial plan to offer free Wi-Fi to all passengers. United had signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink last year to provide in-flight internet services across its fleet, which includes over 1,000 aircraft. Starlink has also secured deals with other airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX as part of its strategy to expand beyond rural consumer markets.
