United Expands Starlink Wi-Fi on Transatlantic Flights

Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout Reaches United’s Widebody Fleet

United Airlines has expanded its Starlink Wi-Fi programme by launching its first transatlantic widebody flight equipped with the satellite-based internet service. United flight 14, operating from Newark/New York to London on a Boeing 777-200, marks the airline’s first customer-operated transatlantic widebody service featuring Starlink connectivity.

The aircraft is the first of nearly 60 United widebody aircraft expected to receive Starlink technology this year. The airline plans to complete the installation across its entire widebody fleet by next summer as it continues to enhance onboard connectivity for passengers.

Using Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network, United aims to provide internet access across international routes, including flights over oceans, polar regions, and other remote areas where traditional connectivity options can be limited.

The airline currently has Starlink installed on more than 400 aircraft and expects to equip nearly 1,000 by the end of the year.

Passengers travelling on international routes from the airline’s hubs in Newark/New York, Washington D.C., Houston and San Francisco can expect to see Starlink-equipped Boeing 777-200 aircraft operating to destinations including London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires and Tokyo.

David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, said the introduction of Starlink on overseas flights will help passengers stay connected throughout their journeys with internet performance comparable to what many travellers experience on the ground.

Since introducing Starlink Wi-Fi last year, the airline has carried more than 18.6 million passengers on Starlink-equipped aircraft across over 311,000 flights. During that period, travellers connected nearly 9.9 million devices through the service.

According to Ankit Gupta, United’s Chief Air Operations Officer, the airline has worked closely with Starlink to develop an installation programme that allows the technology to be deployed across the fleet at a rapid pace.

The rollout also supports United’s broader investment in onboard technology. The airline currently operates more than 167,000 seatback screens across nearly 900 aircraft and plans to increase that number as new aircraft enter service and existing cabins are upgraded.

For MileagePlus members travelling on Starlink-enabled aircraft, the service provides complimentary Wi-Fi access. Passengers can use the connection for online browsing, work-related tasks, entertainment, gaming, and access to multiple devices during their journey. Customers will receive a notification before departure if their flight is equipped with Starlink connectivity.

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