CHICAGO – United Airlines has received FAA certification for its first mainline aircraft equipped with Starlink connectivity, marking a milestone in the carrier’s rollout of high-speed inflight internet. The first commercial flight with the system is scheduled to depart from Newark/New York on 15 October onboard a Boeing 737-800.

The certification comes less than five months after United’s first Starlink-equipped customer flight on a regional Embraer 175, and under a year since the airline signed its landmark agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink Wi-Fi across both mainline and regional fleets.

United has already fitted Starlink on more than half of its regional jets and continues installations at a rate of approximately 50 aircraft per month. Early customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of passengers reporting appreciation for the ability to stream content with a fast and reliable connection.

“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,” said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology. “We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.”

The FAA’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) amendment for the Boeing 737-800 paves the way for Starlink installations across United’s fleet, which includes more than 16 aircraft models. The system offers several technical advantages, including lighter weight, faster installation, improved reliability and weather resistance, ultimately reducing fuel consumption and maintenance requirements.

Starlink Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 250 Mbps, is available free of charge to all MileagePlus® members, with membership itself free to join. United says the service will transform inflight connectivity, supporting streaming, online shopping, gaming and video calls.