United Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi using SpaceX's Starlink

United Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi using SpaceX's Starlink

A United Airlines Boeing 737-MAX 8 aircraft departs at San Diego International Airport en route to New York on August 24, 2024 in San Diego, California. 

Kevin Carter | Getty Images

United Airlines said Friday that it plans to offer inflight Wi-Fi from SpaceX’s Starlink for free on its hundreds of jetliners, the biggest inflight internet deal yet for the SpaceX business.

The team-up comes as airlines have been investing in faster inflight Wi-Fi.

Delta Air Lines announced in early 2023 that onboard internet would be free for members of its SkyMiles loyalty program. Hawaiian Airlines, which has a deal with Starlink, also offers complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. JetBlue Airways has offered free Wi-Fi for years.

SpaceX also previously made a deal with semi-private airline JSX.

SpaceX has steadily expanded its Starlink network and product offerings since its debut in 2020. There are currently about 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit that connect more than 3 million customers in 100 countries, according to the company. SpaceX initially targeted consumer customers, but has expanded into other markets, including aviation.

Read more CNBC airline news

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/13/united-airlines-spacex-starlink-internet.html

Meet Jaydon Hermann, the driving force behind Business Press Daily. As our Editor-in-Chief, Jaydon is dedicated to delivering the latest and most insightful news in the business world. With a passion for uncovering stories that matter, Jaydon leads our team in providing you with the most up-to-date and informative newsroom experience.

BPD LINK ENGINE ACTIVE ?