FAA approves Starlink onboard United Airlines E175 jets
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Embraer E175 equipped with Starlink high-speed connectivity technology, United Airlines announced.
The approval, following the issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), paves the way for United to begin offering Wi-Fi service onboard the regional aircraft in May.
The U.S. carrier plans to equip its entire fleet of commercial aircraft with the SpaceX system, which uses a massive network of satellites to deliver a powerful internet signal anywhere in the world.
“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 installing Starlink on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”
The goal is to have more than 300 regional jets equipped with Starlink by the end of the year. United says it is working to install the equipment at a rate of 40 jets per month.
The challenge, however, is getting STCs for the 16 aircraft models that make up its fleet, from ERJ 145s and CRJs to widebodies like the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner.
Onboard Wi-Fi will be offered free of charge to the airline’s frequent flyer customers.
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