Fi service on more than 1,000 planes

On September 13, United Airlines announced a partnership with SpaceX to provide free Wi-Fi to passengers on all mainline and regional flights. This service will utilize Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, and is expected to be installed on over 1,000 aircraft in the coming years. Testing of the service is set to begin early next year, marking a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity. The airline emphasized that this initiative represents the largest agreement of its kind with SpaceX, aiming to enhance the travel experience for passengers. The new Wi-Fi service will allow access to live TV, streaming services, social media, shopping, and gaming, available on both personal devices and the more than 100,000 seatback screens across United's fleet. In addition to improving passenger experience, the implementation of this service is anticipated to benefit airline staff, including pilots, flight attendants, and technicians. This connectivity will facilitate smoother operations and communication among crew members, ultimately leading to better service for travelers. SpaceX's President Gwynne Shotwell expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the transformative potential of Starlink's high-speed internet for United's fleet. Once fully operational, this service is expected to set a new standard for in-flight connectivity in the U.S. airline industry, providing a comprehensive digital experience from gate to gate.