United Airlines plans fleet-wide deployment of fast Starlink internet

United CEO Scott Kirby has long advocated for free inflight wifi, citing increased bandwidth as a key factor. The airline aims to allow customers to use multiple devices simultaneously without additional costs. "Paid wifi isn’t just a revenue generator; it’s also a way to limit demands on the system and keep it usable," Kirby noted.

American Airlines has faced challenges with its wifi strategy. Seven years ago, they promised free inflight messaging but failed to deliver. They continue to charge $20-$30 per flight for wifi while competitors move towards free services or lower prices. Southwest and Alaska charge $8 per flight, while JetBlue and Delta offer generally free access.

American's CEO Robert Isom acknowledged the high costs associated with satellite-based wifi services: "What you’re talking about ultimately is something that would be an expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars... So it’s something that we are out there and making sure we’re conscious of."

Deploying the new technology across United's fleet will take time due to logistical challenges involving around 1,000 aircraft. Each installation requires taking planes out of service briefly without disrupting schedules significantly.