United Airlines has got FAA approval for the first Starlink-equipped aircraft type to fly commercially.
Starlink equipped flights are planned to begin in May, after the FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175.
The airline expects the first commercial flight to be onboard a United Express Embraer 175 as United’s roll-out of the new technology continues.
It expects to complete around 40 regional jet installs monthly and the entire two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 planes – will be completed by end of the year.
United will run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May to assess service quality.
“We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky,” said Grant Milstead, United’s VP of Digital Technology.
United will work with Starlink to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type.
According to the FAA, the process to secure approval can include design, installation, testing and submitting the package for FAA approval.
The Starlink system allows for a faster and simpler install, and is more reliable and weather-proofed.
Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus customers and allows for streaming services, shopping, gaming and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second.
