United Airlines just got the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install Starlink internet on its planes. This is a big deal – it’s the first time any airline has gotten approval to use this tech. The plan is to start offering the service to passengers in May 2025.
The airline has been providing WiFi on its flights for over a decade, but this is a major upgrade. The new system uses satellites in low Earth orbit, which are much faster than the old ones. We’re talking speeds of up to 250 megabits per second – that’s 50 times faster than what other airlines offer.
The FAA gave United a special certificate, called a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), which means the Starlink system is safe to use on its planes. The first planes to get the upgrade will be the Embraer 175, which are used for United Express flights.
What’s next?
United plans to add Starlink to about 40 regional jets per month, with the goal of having 300 planes equipped by the end of the year. The airline will also start installing the system on other types of planes, which will require additional approval from the FAA.
This is a big win for SpaceX, the company behind Starlink. They started offering the service to airlines in 2022, and now several companies, including Hawaiian Airlines and Qatar Airways, are using it.
Why it matters
Fast internet on planes is a game-changer for passengers. It means you can stream movies, play games, and even shop online while you’re in the air. And with Starlink, you can do all that at speeds that are similar to what you’d get at home.
United’s move is a sign that the aviation industry is serious about upgrading its tech. And with SpaceX leading the charge, we can expect to see more innovations in the future.
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