United Airlines announced that it will test Elon Musk’s Starlink high-speed flight network on aircraft in February.
According to the airline, the first commercial Embraer E-175 flight equipped with Starlink will fly in the spring, and the first mainline aircraft is expected to take off by December this year.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite network constellation that uses low-Earth orbit to provide fast broadband.
The service will be free for all MileagePlus members and includes streaming services, shopping and in-flight entertainment such as games.
Passengers can sign up for free as a member of United’s loyalty program and work on airline miles, which can be used to pay for checked bags, Wi-Fi and award flights.
United plans to equip its entire two-class regional fleet with Starlink technology by the end of 2025.
The airline said it will eventually add Starlink to its entire fleet.
“We have a lot of plans for MileagePlus members this year, and at the center of it is getting as many customers as possible as quickly as possible,” said Richard Nunn, CEO of United Airlines MileagePlus. Add Starlink to aircraft.
“Not only will this revolutionize the United flying experience, but it will also bring a host of new partnerships and benefits to our members that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”
Last October, a Qatar Airways plane took off under a new partnership with Starlink, offering free internet on board for passengers to watch movies, play games and work.
The airline and Musk launched the first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 on a flight from Doha to London on October 22.
Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to provide passengers with “gate-to-gate” Starlink services through the Internet.
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