The Inflight Wi-Fi Revolution Now Arriving: United Signs Starlink Deal to Provide Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky - For Free
United Airlines has signed a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to provide free Starlink Wi-Fi service across its entire fleet of over 1,000 aircraft. This industry-leading deal aims to revolutionize inflight connectivity, offering passengers gate-to-gate internet access with speeds comparable to ground-based services. The new system will enable live streaming, gaming, and e-commerce on both personal devices and seatback screens simultaneously.
Testing is set to begin in early 2025, with the first passenger flights expected later that year. United's CEO, Scott Kirby, emphasized that this innovation will allow passengers to do virtually anything online at 35,000 feet that they can do on the ground. The service will also benefit United's frontline employees, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service capabilities.
United Airlines ha firmato un accordo innovativo con SpaceX per fornire servizio Wi-Fi Starlink gratuito su tutta la sua flotta di oltre 1.000 aerei. Questo accordo leader nel settore mira a rivoluzionare la connettività in volo, offrendo ai passeggeri accesso a internet gate-to-gate con velocità comparabili ai servizi a terra. Il nuovo sistema permetterà streaming live, giochi e e-commerce sia su dispositivi personali che sugli schermi dei sedili simultaneamente.
I test inizieranno all'inizio del 2025, con i primi voli passeggeri attesi entro la fine dell'anno. Il CEO di United, Scott Kirby, ha sottolineato che questa innovazione permetterà ai passeggeri di fare praticamente qualsiasi cosa online a 35.000 piedi che possono fare a terra. Il servizio beneficerà anche i dipendenti di prima linea di United, migliorando l'efficienza operativa e le capacità di servizio al cliente.
United Airlines ha firmado un acuerdo innovador con SpaceX para proporcionar servicio Wi-Fi gratuito Starlink en toda su flota de más de 1.000 aeronaves. Este acuerdo líder en la industria tiene como objetivo revolucionar la conectividad en vuelo, ofreciendo a los pasajeros acceso a internet desde la puerta hasta la puerta con velocidades comparables a los servicios terrestres. El nuevo sistema permitirá streaming en vivo, juegos y comercio electrónico tanto en dispositivos personales como en las pantallas de los asientos simultáneamente.
Las pruebas comenzarán en principios de 2025, con los primeros vuelos de pasajeros esperados para más tarde ese año. El CEO de United, Scott Kirby, enfatizó que esta innovación permitirá a los pasajeros hacer prácticamente cualquier cosa en línea a 35,000 pies que puedan hacer en tierra. El servicio también beneficiará a los empleados de primera línea de United, mejorando la eficiencia operativa y las capacidades de atención al cliente.
유나이티드 항공은 스페이스X와 혁신적인 계약을 체결하여 1,000대 이상의 항공기 전체에 무료 스타링크 Wi-Fi 서비스를 제공하게 됩니다. 이 업계 선도적인 계약은 비행 중 연결성을 혁신하는 것을 목표로 하며, 승객에게 게이트 투 게이트 인터넷 접속을 제공하고 지상 서비스에 버금가는 속도를 자랑합니다. 이 새로운 시스템은 개인 기기와 좌석 앞 스크린 모두에서 라이브 스트리밍, 게임 및 전자상거래를 동시에 가능하게 할 것입니다.
테스트는 2025년 초에 시작될 예정이며, 첫 번째 승객 비행은 그해 말에 예상됩니다. 유나이티드의 CEO인 스콧 커비는 이 혁신이 승객들이 35,000피트에서 지상에서 할 수 있는 거의 모든 것을 온라인으로 할 수 있게 해줄 것이라고 강조했습니다. 이 서비스는 또한 유나이티드의 최전선 직원에게도 혜택을 주어 운영 효율성과 고객 서비스 능력을 향상시킬 것입니다.
United Airlines a signé un accord révolutionnaire avec SpaceX pour fournir un service Wi-Fi Starlink gratuit à l'ensemble de sa flotte de plus de 1 000 avions. Cet accord leader dans l'industrie vise à révolutionner la connectivité en vol, offrant aux passagers un accès Internet de la porte à la porte avec des vitesses comparables à celles des services terrestres. Le nouveau système permettra le streaming en direct, les jeux et le commerce électronique à la fois sur les appareils personnels et sur les écrans des sièges en même temps.
Les tests devraient commencer début 2025, avec les premiers vols passagers attendus plus tard dans l'année. Le PDG de United, Scott Kirby, a souligné que cette innovation permettra aux passagers de faire pratiquement tout en ligne à 35 000 pieds d'altitude comme ils le feraient au sol. Le service bénéficiera également aux employés de première ligne de United, améliorant l'efficacité opérationnelle et les capacités de service client.
United Airlines hat eine bahnbrechende Vereinbarung mit SpaceX unterzeichnet, um kostenlosen Starlink-Wi-Fi-Service in ihrer gesamten Flotte von über 1.000 Flugzeugen anzubieten. Dieses branchenführende Geschäft zielt darauf ab, die Internetverbindung im Flug zu revolutionieren, indem den Passagieren Internet Zugang vom Gate bis zum Gate mit Geschwindigkeiten angeboten wird, die mit Bodenangeboten vergleichbar sind. Das neue System wird Live-Streaming, Gaming und E-Commerce sowohl auf persönlichen Geräten als auch auf den Bildschirmen der Sitze gleichzeitig ermöglichen.
Die Tests sollen Anfang 2025 beginnen, und die ersten Passagierflüge werden später in diesem Jahr erwartet. Der CEO von United, Scott Kirby, betonte, dass diese Innovation es den Passagieren ermöglichen wird, in 35.000 Fuß Höhe fast alles online zu tun, was sie auch am Boden tun können. Der Service wird auch den Mitarbeitern von United zugutekommen und die operative Effizienz sowie die Kundenservicemöglichkeiten verbessern.
- Free Starlink Wi-Fi service to be provided on all United aircraft
- Largest agreement of its kind in the airline industry, covering over 1,000 planes
- Enhanced inflight entertainment and productivity options for passengers
- Potential for improved operational efficiency and customer service capabilities for frontline employees
- None.
Insights
This deal marks a significant leap in inflight connectivity. Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites offer superior speed and reliability compared to traditional satellite internet, especially over remote areas and oceans. This could be a game-changer for United, potentially attracting more business travelers and tech-savvy customers.
The gate-to-gate connectivity is particularly noteworthy, as it eliminates the frustrating "dead zones" during takeoff and landing. This continuous connection could lead to increased productivity and entertainment options for passengers, potentially boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
However, the implementation timeline is relatively long, with testing beginning in early 2025 and full fleet coverage taking several years. This gives competitors time to catch up, potentially diluting United's first-mover advantage in this space.
This partnership represents a significant investment for United, covering over 1,000 aircraft. While the deal's financial terms aren't disclosed, it's likely a substantial long-term commitment. The decision to offer this service for free is intriguing, as it forgoes potential direct revenue from Wi-Fi fees.
However, this move could drive indirect revenue growth through increased bookings, especially from business travelers and tech-savvy consumers who value connectivity. It may also lead to higher in-flight purchases and entertainment consumption, boosting ancillary revenue.
The investment in seatback screens alongside personal device connectivity shows United's commitment to a premium passenger experience. This strategy could help differentiate United in a competitive market, potentially justifying higher fares and improving profit margins in the long run.
This partnership aligns with the growing consumer demand for seamless connectivity, even at 35,000 feet. By offering free, high-quality Wi-Fi, United is addressing a key pain point for many travelers, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The ability to use multiple devices simultaneously caters to the modern traveler's needs, whether for work or entertainment. This could be particularly appealing to business travelers and digital nomads, potentially shifting market share in United's favor.
The enhanced inflight entertainment options, including live TV and gaming, could also appeal to leisure travelers, potentially expanding United's customer base. However, the long implementation timeline means United will need to manage customer expectations carefully to avoid disappointment on flights not yet equipped with the new system.
Starlink allows for gate-to-gate internet service and unlocks game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like access to live TV and streaming services, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously
Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites deliver reliable, high-speed, low-latency internet and boost reliability over oceans and other remote areas previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals
Industry's largest agreement includes more than 1,000 aircraft
Testing begins in early 2025 with the first passenger flights expected later next year; United's culture of innovation again delivers big benefits to customers
United customers will soon enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency internet service in the air that they enjoy on the ground. The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock game-changing experiences in the sky at scale that no other major
United expects to have Starlink on all United aircraft – more than 1,000 planes – over the next several years. Testing begins in early 2025 with the first passenger flights expected later that year.
Starlink service on United aircraft will be free.
Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience in both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink is engineered by SpaceX and delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans, polar regions and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals. United is the largest airline across both the Atlantic and Pacific and will be the first carrier in the world to commit to offering Starlink service at this scale.
"Everything you can do on the ground, you'll soon be able to do onboard a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "This connectivity opens the door for an even better inflight entertainment experience, in every seatback – more content, that's more personalized. United's culture of innovation is, once again, delivering big for our customers."
"We're excited to team up with United Airlines to transform the inflight experience," said Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX. "With Starlink onboard your United flight, you'll have access to the world's most advanced high-speed internet from gate to gate, and all the miles in between."
United's new Starlink Wi-Fi service will include experiences like:
- Live streaming: access personal streaming services and watch live TV, shows and movies without buffering, lag or the need to download content in advance.
- Workplace productivity: download/upload documents and edit shared files in real-time.
- Gaming: play live games and follow along on live gaming streaming services.
- E-Commerce: shop online, schedule grocery delivery and make restaurant and travel reservations all from the comfort of your seat.
- Multiple devices: connect multiple devices at once, under one user.
- Live support with the United app: download the United app while inflight to get real-time info about connections and access customer support from a real agent through Agent on Demand.
In addition to using Starlink connectivity on personal devices, United customers also will have access on their seatback screens. United has nearly 100,000 seatback screens across its fleet, with plans to grow these numbers as the airline continues to take delivery of new airplanes and retrofit existing aircraft with its new United signature interiors. The inflight content is available in more than 20 different languages. The new United signature interiors include 16-inch HD touch screens in each United Polaris® business class seat, 13-inch screens in every United First Class seat and 10-inch screens in every United Economy seat. In addition to seatback screens in every seat, United's new signature interior also includes Bluetooth connectivity, power in every seat, larger overhead bins with room for everyone's rollaboard and LED lighting.
The new service will also benefit United's frontline employees – United pilots, flight attendants, technicians and gate agents all use mobile devices to help run the operation and serve customers. As United rolls out the Starlink more broadly, it will give those teams the same rich capabilities in the air, as they have on the ground including when working in remote location or when traditional services might be impacted like during power outages or natural disasters.
United's Industry-Leading Innovations
United is recognized as one of the most innovative companies in the world and has recently launched a series of policies, products and services that are industry-leading:
- Mobile app with live activities: United has the world's most downloaded airline mobile app and is the only
U.S. airline with Live Activities that gives customers real-time access to their boarding pass, gate and seat number and countdown clock to departure on the home screens of their phone. - ConnectionSaver: United is the only airline that uses proprietary technology to determine the best time to hold a flight a few extra minutes so more people can make their connection.
- Stuck in a middle seat?: United is the only airline where customers can log their seat preference in the app and move to a better seat - for free - if it opens up before departure.
- Free family seating: United is the first and only airline to offer a digital, dynamic seat map that allows children under 12 to be seated next to an adult in their party for free at time of booking. Since launching the feature last year, United has helped hundreds of thousands of families book seats together for free.
- Real-time text updates: Using AI tools, United sends travelers text messages that provide personalized trip updates on everything from gate changes and boarding times to more specifics like aircraft swaps and weather events, now even including live radar maps.
- Automatic rebooking assistance: Instead of waiting in line to talk to an agent or search for new options, United's self-service tools automatically present travelers personalized re-booking options, bag tracking information and meal and hotel vouchers when eligible if their flight is delayed or canceled.
- Wheelchair booking tool: United launched a new digital sizing tool that helps customers determine the right aircraft for their wheelchair.
- Agent on Demand: United's virtual, on-demand customer service tool is patented and lets customers video chat, text or call a customer service representative instead of waiting in line at the airport.
- Miles pooling: United became the first major
U.S. airline to allow members of its loyalty program, MileagePlus, to pool their miles with family and friends into a joint account.
About United
At United, Good Leads The Way. With
About Starlink
Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. As the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit, Starlink delivers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Starlink is engineered and operated by SpaceX. As the world's leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations to deploy the world's most advanced broadband internet system.
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SOURCE United Airlines
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