United Airlines Hits Major Starlink Milestone, Bringing High-Speed Wi-Fi to Regional Fleet

United Airlines announced on Monday that it has successfully installed SpaceX's Starlink high-speed satellite internet on most of its two-cabin regional aircraft, achieving a key rollout target ahead of schedule.

The Chicago-based carrier stated that it has connected over 300 regional jets to the service in under a year. This rapid deployment means more than 25% of United's daily departures—approximately 1,200 flights—now offer Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline aims to equip more than half of its mainline fleet, roughly 500 aircraft, by year's end, with a broader goal of covering its entire fleet by 2026.

"We're deploying Starlink at an unprecedented pace in the industry," said Grant Milstead, United's Vice President of Digital Technology. "This milestone with our regional fleet is foundational. It's about delivering a reliable, high-bandwidth experience that travelers now expect, everywhere we fly."

The move signals a growing arms race in onboard connectivity, with United betting on Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellite network to outperform traditional airborne internet. The airline is seeking FAA approval this year to expand installations to additional aircraft types, including Boeing 737-900ERs, 777s, and Airbus A321s.

To promote the service, United is launching a new advertising campaign in key hubs where the equipped regional aircraft operate, such as Denver, Houston, and Cleveland.

Industry & Passenger Reaction:

David Chen, Frequent Business Traveler: "Finally. The internet on most regional flights has been a joke for years. If this works as promised, it’s a game-changer for getting work done in the air."

Sarah Miller, Aviation Analyst at Skylight Research: "This is a substantial operational achievement. United is leveraging Starlink's technology to potentially create a tangible competitive edge, especially on routes where connectivity was previously spotty."

Mark Russo, Travel Blogger & Critic: "Let's not throw a parade just yet. They're promoting this as 'free' for now, but history says airlines monetize every advantage. I'll believe in the commitment when it's reliably fast, available on every plane, and doesn't end up hidden behind a paywall in two years."

Priya Sharma, Tech Journalist: "The scale here is what's impressive. This isn't a trial on a handful of planes. United is making a massive infrastructure bet that in-flight connectivity is no longer a luxury amenity, but a core utility."