United Airlines announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved its first aircraft type equipped with Starlink technology, with the inaugural commercial flight scheduled for May. The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate for the Embraer 175, and the first flight will be on a United Express Embraer 175.
The Chicago-based airline intends to equip approximately 40 regional jets per month with high-speed Wi-Fi technology, aiming to complete installations on all 300 of these aircraft by the end of the year. United also plans to collaborate with Starlink to secure FAA approval for installation on more than 16 additional aircraft models.
Starlink Wi-Fi service will eventually be available on all United flights and will be free for MileagePlus members. Earlier this year, United signed a contract with Starlink to furnish in-flight internet services across its fleet of over 1,000 aircraft over the coming years.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has established partnerships with several airlines to provide in-flight internet services as it seeks to extend its reach beyond rural consumers and households with limited internet access.
In Canada, WestJet Airlines recently faced customer complaints on social media regarding a deal announced last summer for in-flight Wi-Fi access through Starlink, amid ongoing disputes with the United States. Canada's second-largest carrier stated that it began activating its Wi-Fi service in March and plans to finalize installations and upgrades on its narrow-body fleet by the end of 2025 and on its wide-body jets by the end of 2026.