United Receives FAA Certification on Starlink Aircraft and Schedules First Commercial Flight for May 2025
United Airlines has received FAA certification for its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, with the inaugural commercial flight scheduled for May 2025. The FAA granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175, marking a significant milestone less than eight months after the SpaceX partnership announcement.
The airline plans to install Starlink on approximately 40 regional jets monthly, aiming to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet of over 300 planes by year-end. The new system offers Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 Mbps, 50 times faster than current speeds, enabling enhanced entertainment options including streaming, shopping, and gaming.
The service will be free for MileagePlus members, with United highlighting the Starlink system's technical advantages including easier installation, lighter weight, improved reliability, and better weather resistance. Beta testing will be conducted on select flights before the May launch to ensure optimal passenger experience.
United Airlines ha ricevuto la certificazione FAA per il suo primo aereo dotato di Starlink, con il volo commerciale inaugurale programmato per maggio 2025. La FAA ha concesso un Certificato di Tipo Supplementare (STC) per l'Embraer 175, segnando un traguardo significativo meno di otto mesi dopo l'annuncio della partnership con SpaceX.
La compagnia aerea prevede di installare Starlink su circa 40 jet regionali al mese, con l'obiettivo di equipaggiare l'intera flotta regionale a due cabine di oltre 300 aerei entro la fine dell'anno. Il nuovo sistema offre velocità Wi-Fi fino a 250 Mbps, 50 volte più veloci rispetto alle attuali velocità, consentendo opzioni di intrattenimento migliorate tra cui streaming, shopping e giochi.
Il servizio sarà gratuito per i membri di MileagePlus, con United che sottolinea i vantaggi tecnici del sistema Starlink, tra cui un'installazione più semplice, un peso ridotto, una maggiore affidabilità e una migliore resistenza alle intemperie. I test beta saranno condotti su voli selezionati prima del lancio di maggio per garantire un'esperienza ottimale ai passeggeri.
United Airlines ha recibido la certificación de la FAA para su primer avión equipado con Starlink, con el vuelo comercial inaugural programado para mayo de 2025. La FAA otorgó un Certificado Suplementario de Tipo (STC) para el Embraer 175, marcando un hito significativo menos de ocho meses después del anuncio de la asociación con SpaceX.
La aerolínea planea instalar Starlink en aproximadamente 40 jets regionales al mes, con el objetivo de equipar toda su flota regional de dos cabinas de más de 300 aviones para fin de año. El nuevo sistema ofrece velocidades de Wi-Fi de hasta 250 Mbps, 50 veces más rápidas que las velocidades actuales, permitiendo opciones de entretenimiento mejoradas que incluyen streaming, compras y juegos.
El servicio será gratuito para los miembros de MileagePlus, destacando United las ventajas técnicas del sistema Starlink, que incluyen una instalación más sencilla, un peso más ligero, una mejor fiabilidad y una mayor resistencia a las inclemencias del tiempo. Se realizarán pruebas beta en vuelos seleccionados antes del lanzamiento de mayo para garantizar una experiencia óptima para los pasajeros.
유나이티드 항공이 스타링크가 장착된 첫 번째 항공기에 대해 FAA 인증을 받았으며, 첫 상업 비행은 2025년 5월로 예정되어 있습니다. FAA는 엠브레어 175에 대해 보충형 타입 인증서(STC)를 부여했으며, 이는 스페이스X와의 파트너십 발표 후 8개월도 채 되지 않아 달성한 중요한 이정표입니다.
항공사는 매달 약 40대의 지역 제트기에 스타링크를 설치할 계획이며, 연말까지 300대 이상의 항공기로 구성된 전체 이중 기내 지역 플릿을 장비할 목표를 가지고 있습니다. 새로운 시스템은 최대 250 Mbps의 Wi-Fi 속도를 제공하며, 이는 현재 속도의 50배에 해당하여 스트리밍, 쇼핑, 게임 등 향상된 엔터테인먼트 옵션을 가능하게 합니다.
서비스는 마일리지플러스 회원에게 무료로 제공되며, 유나이티드는 스타링크 시스템의 기술적 장점으로 설치 용이성, 경량화, 향상된 신뢰성 및 기상 저항성을 강조합니다. 최적의 승객 경험을 보장하기 위해 5월 출시 전에 일부 비행에서 베타 테스트가 실시될 예정입니다.
United Airlines a reçu la certification FAA pour son premier avion équipé de Starlink, avec le premier vol commercial prévu pour mai 2025. La FAA a accordé un Certificat de Type Supplémentaire (STC) pour l'Embraer 175, marquant une étape importante moins de huit mois après l'annonce du partenariat avec SpaceX.
La compagnie aérienne prévoit d'installer Starlink sur environ 40 jets régionaux par mois, avec l'objectif d'équiper l'ensemble de sa flotte régionale à deux cabines de plus de 300 avions d'ici la fin de l'année. Le nouveau système offre des vitesses Wi-Fi allant jusqu'à 250 Mbps, 50 fois plus rapides que les vitesses actuelles, permettant des options de divertissement améliorées, y compris le streaming, les achats et les jeux.
Le service sera gratuit pour les membres de MileagePlus, United mettant en avant les avantages techniques du système Starlink, notamment une installation plus facile, un poids réduit, une fiabilité améliorée et une meilleure résistance aux intempéries. Des tests bêta seront réalisés sur des vols sélectionnés avant le lancement de mai pour garantir une expérience optimale aux passagers.
United Airlines hat die FAA-Zertifizierung für ihr erstes mit Starlink ausgestattetes Flugzeug erhalten, mit dem ersten kommerziellen Flug, der für Mai 2025 geplant ist. Die FAA erteilte ein Supplementäres Typzertifikat (STC) für den Embraer 175, was einen bedeutenden Meilenstein weniger als acht Monate nach der Ankündigung der Partnerschaft mit SpaceX darstellt.
Die Fluggesellschaft plant, monatlich etwa 40 Regionaljets mit Starlink auszustatten, mit dem Ziel, ihre gesamte Regionalflotte mit zwei Kabinen von über 300 Flugzeugen bis zum Jahresende auszurüsten. Das neue System bietet Wi-Fi-Geschwindigkeiten von bis zu 250 Mbps, 50-mal schneller als die aktuellen Geschwindigkeiten, und ermöglicht verbesserte Unterhaltungsoptionen, einschließlich Streaming, Einkaufen und Spielen.
Der Service wird für MileagePlus-Mitglieder kostenlos sein, wobei United die technischen Vorteile des Starlink-Systems hervorhebt, darunter einfachere Installation, geringeres Gewicht, verbesserte Zuverlässigkeit und bessere Wetterbeständigkeit. Vor dem Start im Mai werden Beta-Tests auf ausgewählten Flügen durchgeführt, um ein optimales Passagiererlebnis zu gewährleisten.
- Free high-speed internet service for MileagePlus members
- Rapid deployment plan with 40 installations per month
- Technical advantages: lighter system requiring less fuel
- 50x faster internet speeds (250 Mbps) compared to current service
- Enhanced reliability and weather resistance of new system
- Significant fleet modification costs for 300+ aircraft installations
- Multiple FAA certifications still needed for different aircraft types
- Potential implementation delays due to required beta testing
Insights
United's FAA certification for Starlink represents a significant technological leap for the airline's inflight connectivity strategy. The rapid deployment plan targeting 40 regional jets monthly with completion of over 300 planes by year-end demonstrates exceptional operational execution.
The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175 is just the first of 16 different aircraft types planned for certification, signaling a comprehensive fleet-wide implementation strategy. What's particularly noteworthy are the technical advantages: the Starlink system is lighter (reducing fuel consumption), simpler to install and maintain, and more resistant to weather interruptions than legacy systems.
From a technical performance perspective, the 250 Mbps speeds represent a 50x improvement over current regional aircraft connectivity. This transforms what passengers can do inflight - from basic email to streaming, gaming, and shopping - creating an experience more comparable to ground-based connectivity.
The strategic decision to offer this as a free benefit to MileagePlus members rather than a premium add-on indicates United is leveraging this technology primarily for competitive differentiation and customer acquisition rather than direct monetization. This positions United as a technology leader in the regional jet space, where connectivity has traditionally lagged behind mainline aircraft.
United's Starlink implementation represents a meaningful competitive advantage in the fierce battle for premium passengers. By focusing initial deployment on regional jets - traditionally the weakest link in connectivity - United addresses a significant pain point for business travelers who expect continuous productivity.
The aggressive rollout timeline, with certification achieved less than eight months after announcing the SpaceX partnership, demonstrates efficient project execution that stands out in an industry often plagued by implementation delays. The plan to complete over 300 regional aircraft by year-end shows commitment to quickly realizing fleet-wide benefits.
Making this premium connectivity free to loyalty program members serves multiple strategic purposes: it differentiates United's regional product, drives MileagePlus enrollment, and helps justify premium fares on routes served by these aircraft. The investment likely pays for itself through improved customer satisfaction metrics and incremental market share, particularly among high-value business travelers.
The operational benefits of the lighter, more reliable Starlink equipment shouldn't be overlooked either. Reduced weight translates to meaningful fuel savings at scale, while improved reliability means fewer service disruptions and maintenance events. These efficiency gains provide a secondary economic benefit beyond the primary customer experience enhancement.
United's leadership in bringing Starlink to regional fleets positions them favorably in markets where regional jets constitute a significant portion of their capacity deployment strategy.
Airline expects first customer flight to operate on a United Express Embraer 175 aircraft – less than eight months after signing SpaceX deal for Starlink
United's roll-out of this new connectivity continues with plans to install approximately 40 regional jets each month and entire two-cabin regional fleet by end of year
The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175 and the airline expects the first commercial flight to be onboard a United Express Embraer 175. United's roll-out of this new technology continues to accelerate with approximately 40 regional jet installs planned monthly and the expectation that the entire two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 planes – will be completed by end of year.
In addition to securing the STC, United will also run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May to ensure all aspects deliver an incredible onboard experience for passengers.
"We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United," said Grant Milstead, United's Vice President of Digital Technology. "We're working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people."
United will work with Starlink to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type getting the new equipment (e.g. Embraer 175) – more than 16 total regional and mainline aircraft models. According to the FAA, the process to secure each STC can include design, installation, testing and submitting the package for FAA approval.
Earlier this month United unveiled the Starlink install process, underscoring the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight as well as the ease of install and maintenance. The Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler install, is lighter requiring less fuel to operate and is more reliable and weather-proofed.
Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus® customers and include game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. Membership to MileagePlus is also free and people can sign-up now at united.com/starlink.
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About United
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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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on historical performance and current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans, commitments, strategies and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, known or unknown, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect United's business and market, particularly those identified in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections in United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, United undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
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