United Airlines is set to launch Elon Musk’s Starlink Wi-Fi services on its flights as early as this spring, marking a significant expansion of the tech billionaire’s reach into the US aviation sector.
Operational by spring
Testing of the high-speed internet service will begin in February, with the first commercial flight outfitted with Starlink technology operating on United's Embraer E-175 aircraft this northern spring.
The airline plans to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025 and to have its first mainline aircraft operational with the service by the end of this year.
Starlink is slated to eventually become available on every United flight, providing passengers with access to streaming, gaming, shopping and other internet-based services.
MileagePlus loyalty program members will have complimentary access to the service, which will give United a competitive edge.
Musk’s influence grows
Musk is influencing the actions of the US Government in ever more direct ways – as evidenced by his tweetstorm to promote his views on the recent continuing resolution of Congress.
He’s now set to grow his influence in diverse sectors of the US economy, beyond his well-known ventures in electric vehicles with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and aerospace innovations through SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company.
The United deal, finalised in September 2024, is yet another example of how the tentacles of his portfolio of interests are reshaping the industries they touch.
United joins a growing list of US airlines embracing high-speed connectivity. Hawaiian Airlines announced free Starlink Wi-Fi for travellers on select routes and JSX, a semi-private charter service, has already deployed Starlink across its fleet.
Other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and JetBlue Airways, also offer complimentary internet options, with JetBlue pioneering the service in 2017.
The evolution of in-flight Wi-Fi traces back to 2003 when Boeing (NYSE:BA) introduced Connexion, a service discontinued in 2006 due to limited market uptake.
Today, the demand for seamless connectivity has soared, making partnerships like United and Starlink critical to meeting passenger expectations in modern air travel.