United Airlines Begins Starlink Installations on Regional Fleet

07 de marzo de 2025 - 18:20

United Airlines has announced the installation of Starlink connectivity on its first regional aircraft, marking the start of its plan to equip more than 300 planes with the service by the end of the year.

The airline expects to complete over 40 installations per month from May through December 2025.

Faster Installation Process

According to United, installing Starlink takes approximately eight hours, making the process ten times faster than other in-flight connectivity systems.

Each aircraft is removed from service for four days to complete:

Removal of the previous system
Installation of the new Starlink equipment
Operational testing

"Our ability to deploy this innovative service at an unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of United's team of experts and the advanced technology we work with," said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology.
"Starlink has been an outstanding partner, and our collaboration will help us achieve our goal of installing the system on more than 300 regional aircraft before the year’s end."

Improved Efficiency and Reduced Downtime

United states that integrating Starlink into its regional fleet will not only enhance the passenger experience but also streamline maintenance and operational efficiency.

The four-day total installation time is significantly shorter than the 10+ days required by other connectivity providers.

Lighter, More Efficient Equipment

Weight: The Starlink system weighs 85 pounds (38 kg)—a substantial reduction compared to other systems, which can exceed 300 pounds (136 kg).
No Moving Parts: The absence of mechanical components simplifies transportation, installation, and maintenance.
Lower Fuel Consumption: The reduced weight helps improve fuel efficiency, making Starlink a more sustainable connectivity solution.
Uninterrupted Signal: Laser link technology between satellites ensures a stable connection, even in adverse weather conditions.

High-Speed Internet for MileagePlus Members

United confirms that passengers will have access to connection speeds of up to 250 Mbps, which is 50 times faster than current regional in-flight connectivity.

MileagePlus members will enjoy free access to Starlink, allowing them to:
✔ Stream movies and TV shows
✔ Shop online
✔ Play cloud-based games
✔ Enjoy seamless in-flight entertainment

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