United Airlines completes initial Starlink setup, targeting 40 monthly installations
United Airlines has taken a giant leap forward in the aviation industry, partnering with SpaceX's Starlink to bring satellite-based internet to its aircraft. This move follows Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways, who have already adopted Starlink for their fleets.
The satellite internet installations will be implemented on a variety of aircraft, including larger Boeing and Airbus jets, and many other airlines have also signed up for Starlink. The first United Airlines aircraft to receive the upgrade was a SkyWest-operated Embraer E175, installed at a maintenance facility in Nashville.
The installation process, including minor testing and final modifications, takes just four days. This is a significant improvement over the 10-day downtime required for legacy systems. Each aircraft installation takes approximately eight hours, ten times faster than traditional in-flight internet systems.
Starlink's hardware weighs only 85 pounds, far lighter than traditional in-flight internet equipment. This reduction in weight translates into improved fuel efficiency, a critical factor for airlines looking to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The high-speed internet offered by Starlink, with speeds of up to 250 Mbps, will revolutionise in-flight entertainment. Passengers can now seamlessly stream movies, browse the web, shop online, and even enjoy online gaming, all from 40,000 feet in the air.
Beyond enhancing passenger experience, Starlink's real-time data transmission can improve flight monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and operational efficiency. This can lead to cost savings and enhanced safety measures for airlines.
United Airlines plans to roll out Starlink across its entire fleet, starting with more than 300 jets by the end of 2025. With this move, United Airlines is set to redefine air travel for the digital age.
