United Airlines receives FAA approval for Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 737-800 fleet

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Global Industry News

United Airlines receives FAA approval for Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 737-800 fleet

Research

Scott Kirby, chief executive officer | United Airlines

By Sky Industry News

Oct 2, 2025

United Airlines will soon expand its Starlink Wi-Fi service to larger aircraft, following recent approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The airline announced on Friday that it has received clearance to install the satellite internet system on its Boeing 737-800 fleet.

The first mainline United flight equipped with Starlink is scheduled for October 15, departing from Newark Liberty International Airport. This marks a shift from previous installations, which were limited to United Express regional jets.

Grant Milstead, vice president of digital technology at United Airlines, said in a statement: "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."

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The company plans to eventually outfit its entire fleet with the new internet service. Access will be free for all MileagePlus members.

United also reported progress on installing Starlink on its smaller planes. More than half of the regional fleet now features the technology. The rollout began earlier this year when the service debuted on an Embraer 175 out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

According to United's previous statements, installation across all two-cabin regional jets is expected to finish by the end of 2025.

The introduction of faster and complimentary Wi-Fi aligns with broader trends in the U.S. airline industry. Other major carriers such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have either implemented or announced similar plans for free Wi-Fi throughout their fleets. JetBlue has provided complimentary browsing for years and recently upgraded its onboard connectivity.

This development reflects increasing competition among airlines to offer better inflight connectivity as a standard amenity.

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United Airlines receives FAA approval for Starlink Wi-Fi on Boeing 737-800 fleet

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

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