Wow! United aims to fit Starlink on 1,000 aircraft by the end of 2026
United Airlines is accelerating the rollout of Starlink high-speed satellite internet across its fleet and expects to equip nearly 1,000 aircraft with free Starlink connectivity by the end of 2026.
The announcement comes as United launched its first transatlantic passenger service operated by a Starlink-equipped Boeing 777-200. Flight UA14 from Newark to London marked the first widebody customer flight to feature the low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity service. It is the beginning of a wider deployment across the airline’s long-haul fleet.
United has equipped more than 400 aircraft with Starlink connectivity so far. The carrier expects to install the service on almost 60 of its widebody aircraft before the end of the year and to complete the installation across its entire widebody fleet by summer 2027.
First Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 begins transatlantic service
The first transatlantic widebody flight departed Newark Liberty International Airport for London Heathrow on a Boeing 777-200. The aircraft is the first of dozens of United’s long-haul aircraft scheduled for Starlink installations this year.
“United is changing what it means to stay connected on an overseas flight,” said David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer. “Starlink offers the same fast, reliable internet access and connectivity we’re all used to at home, delivered in the air at 35,000 feet, flying anywhere around the world. This technology has the potential to transform how we think about the in-flight experience for both our customers and our employees.”
Where United will offer Starlink on international flights
United’s international passengers can expect to see Starlink-equipped 777-200s operating from United’s hubs in Newark/New York, Washington D.C., Houston, and San Francisco to destinations including:
- London
- Frankfurt
- Zurich
- Paris
- Amsterdam
- Buenos Aires
- Tokyo
Starlink’s large low-Earth orbit satellite constellation supports reliable in-flight connectivity even over oceans, polar regions and remote areas where higher-altitude Geostationary satellite in-flight internet services may encounter service interruptions.
United increases the pace of Starlink installations
According to United, more than 18.6 million passengers have already travelled on Starlink-equipped aircraft since the service launched in spring 2025.
Over 311,000 flights have operated with Starlink connectivity, supporting almost 9.9 million connected devices. The airline said customer satisfaction scores for WiFi-equipped aircraft have nearly doubled during that period.
Ankit Gupta, United’s chief air operations officer, said the rapid pace of installations reflects a successful collaboration between United’s technical teams and Starlink’s team to deploy the service.
“Together, we’ve built a highly efficient installation program that is transforming the onboard experience for our customers,” he said. “With Starlink expected on close to 1,000 aircraft by year-end, we’re moving quickly to bring fast, reliable connectivity to more travellers than ever before.”
Starlink to enhance seatback entertainment investment
Accompanying the rapid roll-out of Starlink WiFi, United is also increasing the availability of embedded in-flight entertainment systems. The airline currently has over 167,000 seatback screens installed across nearly 900 aircraft and plans to nearly double that number as new aircraft arrive and older cabins are upgraded.
The embedded in-flight entertainment strategy is a notable pivot, as airlines were moving away from seatback screens toward wireless entertainment delivered directly to passengers’ electronic devices on some aircraft. While wireless in-flight entertainment systems save weight and reduce fuel consumption, they also limit the availability and quality of the service for passengers.
United’s decision to install more seatback screens is part of its focus on providing a premium passenger experience.
Gaming, working, shopping, and a true like-home connectivity experience at 30,000 feet
The combination of Starlink connectivity and next-generation seatback systems will support an in-flight experience closer to the multi-device connectivity travellers enjoy at home.
Gaming at 35,000 feet
Passengers will be able to stream gameplay and remain connected to gaming platforms in real time.
Working online without interruption
United’s customers can upload and download files, collaborate on documents and participate in cloud-based workflows while airborne.
Shopping and trip planning
Travellers will be able to browse online stores, arrange grocery deliveries, book restaurants and make travel plans during their flights.
Multi-device connectivity
Passengers can simultaneously connect their phones, tablets, laptops and seatback screens for multi-device activities without noticeable service degradation.
Free WiFi for MileagePlus members
United makes Starlink WiFi available free of charge to MileagePlus members. Customers are notified before departure if their aircraft is equipped with the system.
The rapid Starlink rollout positions United among the industry’s most aggressive adopters of next-generation LEO satellite connectivity. The airline aims to bring high-speed internet access to more travellers than any other carrier.
Featured Image: United
