United Fits the First Regional Aircraft with Starlink?-Findnfly

United Airlines made the announcement to install Starlink on its first regional aircraft. They highlighted the process to emphasize the technical benefits linked to the equipment, such as size, weight, and the simplicity of installation and maintenance.

The airline plans to install Starlink in 40+ regional aircraft every month starting in May, and the process will continue until the end of this year. On average, the installation process of a Starlink takes about 8 hours. However, it does not include the de-installation of the existing equipment, aircraft modification, and testing.

In a statement in 2025, the airline said it planned to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of this year. Over a short period of time, there was a change in the plan, and now they are going to fix Starlink to its entire fleet.

The United’s Vice President of Digital Technology, Grant Milstead, said, “Our ability to roll-out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology and team of experts at United.” "Starlink has been a terrific partner – our combined spirit of innovation and collaboration will enable us to hit our goal of more than 300 regional aircraft installations before the end of this year."

With the onset of Starlink technology, the airline's goal is to enhance the United customer onboard experience with the fastest free Wi-Fi in the skies, along with several options for entertainment. It enables further efficiency in installation, maintenance, and operation.

1. Quicker Install, More-On-Schedule: United anticipates only four days to remove old equipment, install Starlink, test, and reassemble. Other providers are usually clocking more than ten days for the task.
2. Standardized Equipment: An 85-pound Starlink installation kit; other setups may far outweigh the 300-pound mark. Since there are no moving parts and electronics control, it is very convenient to carry and install with minimal maintenance.
3. Installation made easy: Weighing light and easy to handle, Starlink installation equipment permits very easy installation. Old Wi-Fi is removed when the aircraft is on the ground, and the Starlink setup, which includes support structures, an outside antenna, cabin Wi-Fi access points, and power supply, is fitted. After setup, the team conducts checks to confirm that it is working before closing everything up.
4. Batteries with Lower Fuel Consumption: Given that the Starlink system weighs only 85 pounds, considerably less fuel will be drawn by the aircraft using other inflight providers.
5. Bad Weather Blocking: A special weather-proof technology allows for reliable inter-satellite as well as satellite-to-ground communication-level control, thus ensuring lack of effects from any bad weather on the ground on the Wi-Fi connection.
6. Higher Reliability: Starlink equips its planes with smooth switching between numerous low-earth-orbit satellites to provide the best coverage as well as a consistent onboard Wi-Fi service.

Further, United Airlines said that the speed of the Wi-Fi will increase by fifty times the current regional aircraft speeds. The airline of United equipped with Starlink technology will enjoy 250 megabits per second (Mbps).

The passengers with a Mileage Plus plan of United Airlines can enjoy Starlink for free, which includes over-the-top services such as shopping, gaming, streaming, and more

About Starlink

Starlink is created and managed by SpaceX. SpaceX is a top company known for launching rockets and is using its knowledge of space technology to offer a really advanced Internet service.