On August 24, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 737-MAX 8 aircraft took off from San Diego International Airport in California, bound for New York.
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United Airlines SpaceX said on Friday it plans to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi from SpaceX’s Starlink on hundreds of its jetliners, the largest in-flight Internet deal to date for SpaceX’s business.
The partnership comes as airlines have been investing in faster in-flight Wi-Fi, sometimes even offering it for free, to attract high-paying customers such as business travelers.
Delta Air Lines Announced in early 2023, members of its SkyMiles loyalty program will enjoy free in-flight internet service. Hawaiian AirlinesIn agreement with Starlink, free in-flight Wi-Fi is also available. JetBlue Airways Free Wi-Fi has been available for many years.
SpaceX also previously struck a deal with semi-private airline JSX.
United currently offers inflight internet from a variety of providers, including Via Satellite and Panasonic, and charges $8 for loyalty program members and $10 for others to use on domestic and short-haul international flights.
The airline said it expects to have Starlink on more than 1,000 of its aircraft “in the coming years,” with the first passenger flights starting early next year. United said Wi-Fi will provide “door-to-door” connectivity.
United Airlines praised SpaceX’s satellite service, saying it provides “internet access around the world, including oceans, polar regions and other remote areas previously unreachable through traditional mobile phone or Wi-Fi signals.” The selling point of American Airlines, which offers the most services.
Since its debut in 2020, SpaceX has been steadily expanding its Starlink network and product offerings. SpaceX initially targeted consumer customers but has expanded into other markets including aviation.
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