With the first commercial flight set for spring 2025, United Airlines (UAL, Financials), whose stock has skyrocketed 122.9% over the last year to $95.67, revealed intentions to hasten the deployment of SpaceX's Starlink internet service throughout its fleet.
Aiming to deliver high-speed, low-latency connection for customers throughout its fleet, United Airlines has released an accelerated plan for implementing SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service. Plans to equip its complete two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025, the airline anticipates the first Starlink-enabled commercial flight to take place this spring on a United Embraer E-175 aircraft. By year-end United also wants to have first mainline aircraft fitted with Starlink.
The announcement follows a noteworthy one-year rise in United Airlines stock, which as of Jan. 3 has climbed 122.9% to $95.67.
Passengers—including members of United MileagePlus reward program—will be able to enjoy free internet access for streaming, gaming, shopping, and other in-flight activities thanks to integration. Travelers may sign up at united.com/starlink; MileagePlus membership is free.
Emphasizing the transforming power of Starlink, United MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn said the program would redefine inflight experiences and open new alliances for MileagePlus members.
The news follows United's September deal with SpaceX to deliver Starlink across its whole fleet, signifying the biggest form of cooperation in the airline sector. The airline intends to provide gate-to-gate connection, therefore allowing customers to use high-speed internet concurrently on personal devices and seatback displays.
Recognized as the finest in the world, United's MileagePlus reward program helps the airline's larger effort to improve customer experiences. Among the many advantages the program provides are no ban dates for award tickets, the option to pay for almost all services with miles, and a family-friendly pooling tool letting members mix miles.
More over three million MileagePlus users spent miles for award tickets during the summer of 2024, meaning almost 31,000 seats utilized daily—enough to load 100 Boeing 777 airplanes.
Built and operated by SpaceX, Starlink is the first satellite constellation using low Earth orbit to provide worldwide high-speed broadband internet. Ground-like connection at cruising altitude allows the system to accommodate activities like streaming, video calls, and online gaming.
