United Airlines will launch its first mainline flight equipped with SpaceX's Starlink Wi-Fi offering high-speed satellite internet service on its on Boeing 737 routes.
The flight, scheduled to depart Newark, N.J., for Houston, marks the launch of a broader rollout that will extend Starlink's high-speed satellite internet across United's fleet.
The airline plans to equip up to 15 Boeing 737-800s each month and expects to certify additional aircraft types by the end of the year. More than half of United's regional jets are outfitted with the service.
More than 170 passengers on the inaugural flight will be able to stream, game and work online with home-like broadband speeds - without buffering or lag at 30,000 feet.
Starlink will also power United's expanding network of seatback screens as the airline moves toward installing more than 300,000 across its planes.
"We're committed to raising the bar when it comes to the onboard experience, and with Starlink, we're changing how people fly," David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, said in a statement.
Travelers must have a United MileagePlus account to access the Wi-Fi. Both the Wi-Fi service and the MileagePlus sign-up are free. Passengers will be notified ahead of time if their flight offers Starlink connectivity.
United's move comes just months after American Airlines announced plans to introduce complimentary Wi-Fi through a partnership with AT&T starting in January.
That program, exclusive to AAdvantage members, will cover more aircraft than any other domestic carrier.
