United Schedules Its First Commercial Flight Equipped with Starlink for May
United Airlines has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its first aircraft equipped with Starlink, marking a milestone in onboard connectivity. According to the announcement, the first commercial flight with this system is scheduled for May 2025.
Certification for the Embraer 175 and Service Expansion
The FAA has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175, allowing United Express to operate the first commercial flight with Starlink onboard. The airline anticipates a rapid rollout of the technology, with approximately 40 installations on regional aircraft each month, aiming to complete integration across its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of the year. This means over 300 aircraft will feature this enhanced connectivity.
Pre-Launch Testing
Prior to the inaugural flight in May, United will conduct tests on selected routes to ensure optimal system performance. “We know our customers will love this experience, and we believe it will give them another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, the airline’s vice president of digital technology.
United’s plan includes certifying Starlink for all aircraft models set to receive the new equipment, encompassing more than 16 types of regional and mainline aircraft.
Technical Benefits and Enhanced Onboard Experience
United has also highlighted the operational advantages of Starlink’s installation, such as its lighter weight—which reduces fuel consumption—and easier maintenance. Additionally, the system is more reliable and resilient to adverse weather conditions compared to other available options.
United MileagePlus members will have free access to Starlink, with Wi-Fi speeds of up to 250 Mbps, representing a 50-fold improvement over current connectivity on regional aircraft. This will enable passengers to enjoy streaming services, online shopping, gaming, and more. MileagePlus membership is free and available at united.com/starlink.
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