United Operates Its First Mainline Aircraft Equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi This Wednesday
This Wednesday at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, United Airlines flight UA2940 will depart from Newark (New York) bound for Houston, becoming the first major U.S. airline to offer high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on both personal devices and onboard entertainment system screens.
Total Onboard Connectivity
The flight, operated with a Boeing 737-800, will carry over 170 passengers who can enjoy a connection experience similar to what they have at home: live TV streaming, streaming services, online shopping, video games, and real-time collaboration.
Later the same day, the Starlink-equipped aircraft will also cover the Houston — Fort Lauderdale route as flight UA365 and the Fort Lauderdale — Houston route as UA445.
Accelerated Expansion of Starlink Technology
United plans to install two Starlink antennas on each 737-800 aircraft, representing a total of nearly 2,940 antennas across its entire fleet—a figure that coincides with the flight number of the first customer service flight.
The airline expects to equip up to 15 mainline aircraft per month, while more than half of its regional fleet already features this technology. Before the end of the year, a new aircraft type is also expected to receive certification to operate with Starlink.
→ United Launches Remote Baggage Screening System on International Flights to Streamline Connections
Free Internet for MileagePlus Members
Access to Starlink will be free for MileagePlus members, and passengers will receive a notification before their flight if their aircraft is equipped with the system.
“We are committed to elevating the onboard experience, and with Starlink we are transforming the way people fly,” said David Kinzelman, Director of Customer Experience at United. “Whether watching a live event, an awards show, or working, our customers won’t miss a beat when they are onboard a Starlink flight.”
A New Era of In-Flight Connectivity
The implementation of Starlink marks a turning point in aerial connectivity. Among the experiences passengers will be able to enjoy are:
Uninterrupted Live Streaming: Watch sports, movies, or shows in real time without needing to pre-download content or suffering interruptions or delays.
Real-Time Collaborative Work: Share files, edit documents, and stay in communication with work teams without signal loss, even at 30,000 feet.
Video Games and Game Streaming: Continue gaming sessions or follow live gaming streams with a smooth and stable connection.
Limitless Online Shopping: Book restaurants, schedule deliveries, or shop online from the comfort of your seat.
Multiple Device Connectivity: Simultaneous network access on various devices: the seatback screen, phone, tablet, or personal computer.
Promising Results on Regional Flights
United began installing Starlink on its regional fleet in May 2025, when it operated its first flight with this technology. Since then, the results have been notable: 90% of passengers highlighted the speed, stability, and ease of use of the new onboard internet service.
The incorporation of Starlink is part of a broader strategy. United plans to offer more than 300,000 individual screens across its entire fleet—more than any other U.S. airline—as it receives new aircraft and modernizes the current ones.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.