United Airlines has successfully installed Starlink on its initial regional aircraft, highlighting the operational benefits associated with the technology, including ease of installation and reduced weight.
The airline aims to equip over 40 regional aircraft each month starting from May through the end of 2025. The average installation time for Starlink is approximately 8 hours, significantly more efficient than traditional systems.
Earlier this year, United expressed intentions to install Starlink across its two-cabin regional fleet by year-end, ultimately intending to equip its entire fleet with Starlink.
“Our ability to roll-out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology and team of experts at United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology. “Starlink has been a terrific partner – our combined spirit of innovation and collaboration will enable us to hit our goal of more than 300 regional aircraft installations before the end of this year.”
Starlink’s benefits include:
- Faster installation with less aircraft downtime, averaging about 4 days.
- Streamlined equipment weighing only 85 pounds.
- Enhancements in fuel efficiency due to the lightweight design.
- Weather-proofed connectivity through advanced technology, ensuring reliable communication during flights.
Passengers can expect Wi-Fi speeds of up to 250 Mbps while traveling on Starlink-equipped regional aircraft, significantly improving the in-flight experience by offering fast internet for streaming and other services.
