United Airlines has just revealed exciting news for travelers as they kick off the implementation of SpaceX’s innovative Starlink WiFi system on their regional aircraft fleet. The big announcement, shared on March 7, 2025, gave a sneak peek into the operational advantages of the cutting-edge technology, highlighting details such as its compact size, ease of installation, and minimal maintenance requirements.

In a groundbreaking move back in September 2024, United inked a record-setting deal with SpaceX to introduce Starlink across its entire aircraft lineup. Fast forward to January 2025, the airline giant from Chicago announced an expedited plan to extend Starlink services to more passengers by outfitting their regional jets with this game-changing connectivity system.

With the successful retrofitting of the first aircraft – an Embraer E175 regional jet, United is on track to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025. Additionally, they aim to have their maiden mainline Starlink-enabled plane soaring through the skies before the year's end. The ambitious vision doesn't stop there, with the airline eyeing to integrate Starlink into their complete fleet in due course.

An exciting revelation comes in the form of United offering complimentary Starlink access to all members of their MileagePlus loyalty program. As per a United spokesperson, the airline anticipates outfitting more than 40 regional aircraft monthly starting in May until the close of 2025. The streamlined installation process takes approximately eight hours, a significant improvement compared to traditional systems, promising enhanced onboard experiences for passengers.

United ensures that customers flying on Starlink-equipped regional aircraft can relish in WiFi speeds of up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), a staggering 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. During the installation phase, each plane undergoes a brief four-day downtime for equipment removal, Starlink installation, testing, and necessary closure of aircraft sections.

The Starlink installation kit weighs a mere 85 pounds (38.5kg), significantly lighter than conventional inflight provider kits, and boasts an electronically steered design with no moving parts for simpler transportation and maintenance. Once the retrofit is complete, passengers can savor top-notch internet connectivity while on board, elevating the overall travel experience.

Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology, expressed pride in the rapid deployment of this innovative service, emphasizing the integral role played by advanced equipment and a dedicated team of experts. Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the transformative impact that Starlink will have on flying with United, unlocking a myriad of benefits and opportunities for travelers. Exciting times lie ahead for MileagePlus members as United spearheads the charge in revolutionizing inflight experiences.