Global commercial airline United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on all of its flights.
The airline said Friday that the service will be free to passengers for the next few years.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities to stand out when passengers are choosing which airline to travel with.
According to industry experts, United wants to make sitting on a plane much like sitting on the ground, whether it’s surfing the web, streaming entertainment or playing multiplayer online video games.
Global commercial airline United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on all of its flights
United Airlines announced that it has struck a deal with Starlink and will soon offer free internet to passengers on all of its flights. Above, a Starlink system on grass
Elon Musk talks to other spectators as he watches Jannik Sinner of Italy and Taylor Fritz of the United States match during the men’s singles final of the US Open tennis championship, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
“Anything you can do on the ground, you can soon do aboard a United aircraft at 35,000 feet, virtually anywhere in the world,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
According to the Wall Street JournalUnited’s agreement is part of a larger initiative to improve its premium offerings for travelers in first and business class.
According to the Journal, the company hopes that Starlink’s technology will allow it to “outpace rivals by offering fast, free Wi-Fi.”
The multinational airline has equipped its planes with more power outlets and seat screens in a bid to attract consumers who want to stay connected via their electronic devices during the flight.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and offer it on some flights starting in late 2025.
No financial details of the deal have been disclosed.
Rival airline Delta has also previously tested Starlink for a similar deal, but according to press reports, no contract or agreement has yet been reached.