United Receives FAA Approval for First Starlink-Equipped Mainline Aircraft

United Airlines has received FAA certification for its first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, a major milestone in bringing high-speed, free in-flight internet to more passengers.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted approval to amend Starlink’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Boeing 737-800, officially including United’s fleet in the certification. This enables United to launch its first Starlink-equipped mainline commercial flight from Newark/New York on October 15.

This development follows the airline’s rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi on regional jets earlier this year. Since May 2025, more than half of United’s regional fleet has been equipped with Starlink, delivering strong customer satisfaction scores, with 90% of passengers praising the service's reliability and speed.

"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."

Free High-Speed Wi-Fi for MileagePlus Members
United MileagePlus® members will enjoy Starlink’s service for free, with Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 Mbps. This allows for seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing at 35,000 feet. Membership in MileagePlus is free and open to all travelers.

Lighter, Faster, More Efficient Installations
United’s technical teams have also highlighted the operational benefits of the Starlink system, which is lighter and easier to install than traditional equipment—enhancing fuel efficiency and reliability. The system is also weatherproofed and designed for consistent global performance.

The FAA’s certification process involved rigorous checks of the design, testing, and installation of the Starlink system to ensure safety and operational efficiency. United and SpaceX are working together to expand Starlink installations to more than 16 aircraft models across both regional and mainline fleets.

Next Steps
With the Boeing 737-800 now certified, United continues its push to be a leader in onboard connectivity, reinforcing its position as a digital innovator in the skies.

More Information:
united.com/starlink