FAA Approves United Airlines for Starlink

According to United, the FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175 and the airline expects the first commercial flight with Starlink will be a United Express Embraer 175.

The company noted that United will also run a “beta test” of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May.

"We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United," said Grant Milstead, United's vice president of digital technology. "We're working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people."

Earlier this month, United unveiled the Starlink install process, underscoring the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight as well as the ease of install and maintenance. According to United, the  Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler install, is lighter requiring less fuel to operate and is more reliable and weather-proofed.

The airline is working with the FAA to acquire an STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type getting the new equipment which includes more than 16 total regional and mainline aircraft models.

According to the FAA, the process to secure each STC can include design, installation, testing and submitting the package for FAA approval.

Starlink, engineered and operated by SpaceX is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit. Starlink delivers broadband internet capability that is 50 times faster than that which is currently in place on aircraft.

The airline's roll-out of this new technology will continue to roll forward, with approximately 40 regional jet installs planned monthly. United expects that the entire two-cabin regional fleet, which consists of more than 300 planes – will be completed by end of year.

According to the United, Starlink will enable faster connectivity for inflight entertainment and will be accessible for free for all MileagePlus customers. Membership to MileagePlus is also free and people can sign-up now at united.com/starlink.

United has always been a leader in travel innovation. The company was established in 1926 as Varney Airlines, one of several fledgling commercial services that flew mail and then expanded into passenger service. On March 28, 1931 several of these small companies merged – and United Airlines was officially born.