United Airlines debuts Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 737-800

United Airlines is conducting its first commercial flight equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi this Wednesday, connecting Newark/New York to Houston on flight 2940, operated by a Boeing 737-800.

The announcement comes after FAA approval for the certification of Starlink specifically on the airline’s 737-800s. The service will allow passengers to stream, shop online, and play games during the flight.

United has already equipped more than half of its regional jet fleet with Starlink and plans to install the system on up to 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft per month. Each airplane will receive two Starlink antennas to enhance onboard connectivity coverage.

Starlink Wi-Fi will be offered for free to MileagePlus program members. The strategy is part of the airline’s project to expand in-flight entertainment, anticipating more than 300,000 screens installed in its fleet.

Certification for other types of aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of the year, which could accelerate implementation across United’s main fleet.

Starlink was initially introduced on regional jets operated by United’s affiliates. The Embraer E175 debuted the service earlier this year.

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