United Airlines Achieves Milestone with Inaugural Starlink-Powered Mainline Flight

United Airlines is making aviation history. On October 15, Flight UA 2940 departed Newark (EWR) for Houston (IAH) aboard a Boeing 737-800 featuring full Starlink high-speed satellite internet, marking the first time a major U.S. carrier has offered Starlink connectivity on a mainline aircraft with both personal device and in-flight entertainment screen access.

The Starlink-equipped 737-800 carried more than 170 passengers, each able to stream, game, browse, and work at speeds reportedly rivaling those of terrestrial broadband. After its inaugural run, the same aircraft was scheduled to continue service with Flight UA 365 from Houston to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Flight UA 445 returning to Houston later that day.

Broad Rollout Plan: Ambitious Expansion Across Fleet

United plans a rapid deployment campaign, installing Starlink on up to 15 Boeing 737-800s per month. By year end, the airline aims to certify additional aircraft types to carry the system. Across its regional operations, United first introduced Starlink connectivity in May 2025; by that point, more than half of its regional fleet had already been outfitted. The broader ambition: nearly 2,940 antennas across the airline’s full fleet.

Notably, MileagePlus loyalty members will receive Starlink access at no extra charge, with alerts sent prior to departure when their flights are equipped.

David Kinzelman, United’s Chief Customer Officer, praised the upgrade: “Whether it’s catching a live game, streaming an award show or working, United customers won’t miss a beat when they’re onboard a Starlink-equipped flight.”

Industry Momentum: Who Else Is Using Starlink?

United is far from alone in turning to Starlink for in-flight connectivity. Several global carriers already offer or are rolling out the system:

• Qatar Airways has outfitted its entire Boeing 777 fleet with Starlink, making it a pioneer among long-haul carriers.
• Hawaiian Airlines offers Starlink on its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft, with complimentary service across those fleet segments.
• Air France recently announced plans to migrate its Wi-Fi toward Starlink, offering the technology to its frequent flyer base.
• Other carriers listed as having or planning Starlink service include WestJet, airBaltic, and JSX.
• Air New Zealand is testing Starlink on a few aircraft as part of a broader evaluation.

Analysts view the shift toward Starlink as part of a larger…