Airlines

United Airlines Brings Free Starlink Wi-Fi to the Skies with SpaceX Partnership

United Airlines is setting a new benchmark for inflight connectivity by entering into the industry’s largest agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi service to its fleet.

This move will cover both mainline and regional aircraft, offering passengers a seamless internet experience, free of charge.

With Starlink’s satellite-powered, low-latency internet service, United passengers will soon enjoy the same high-speed browsing in the sky as they do on the ground. The gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock a range of digital experiences—unmatched by any other major U.S. airline—making it possible to stream live TV, use social media, shop, game, and more, whether on personal devices or seatback screens.

United plans to outfit more than 1,000 aircraft with Starlink, with testing set to begin in early 2025 and the first passenger flights expected later that year. As the largest airline across both the Atlantic and Pacific, United will be the first to bring Starlink’s capabilities at such a significant scale. Passengers can expect uninterrupted Wi-Fi service even over oceans, polar regions, and other remote locations that have traditionally been out of reach for inflight connectivity.

Key benefits of United’s new Starlink service include:

Live streaming: Passengers can stream movies, shows, and TV without buffering or the need for pre-downloaded content.
Workplace productivity: Real-time editing of shared documents and seamless downloads/uploads of work files.
Gaming: Live gaming and streaming support for uninterrupted entertainment.
E-Commerce: Browse and shop online, schedule deliveries, and make reservations—all from 35,000 feet in the air.
Multiple devices: Users can connect several devices simultaneously, under one profile.
In-flight United app support: Download the United app while inflight for real-time updates and live assistance through the “Agent on Demand” feature.

In addition to personal device use, passengers will have access to the Starlink service via nearly 100,000 seatback screens across United’s fleet. The airline’s new signature interiors feature state-of-the-art entertainment systems, including 16-inch HD touch screens in United Polaris® business class, 13-inch screens in First Class, and 10-inch screens in Economy. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets at every seat, larger overhead bins, and modern LED lighting.

Airlines

DGCA Grounds IndiGo Pilots After Tailstrike on Delhi-Bengaluru Flight

On September 9, 2024, an IndiGo flight bound for Bengaluru experienced a significant tailstrike incident at Delhi airport.

The flight, designated as 6E 6054 and operating an Airbus A321neo (VT-IBI), encountered a serious issue during takeoff, resulting in the aircraft being grounded for the past eight days.

The incident occurred when the rear part of the aircraft made contact with the runway, causing the plane to momentarily float in the air before settling back onto the runway. Following the tailstrike, airport authorities instructed the flight to stop.

The aircraft has been out of service since the event, and IndiGo has confirmed that it is currently undergoing maintenance. The airline stated, “The aircraft is currently under maintenance and will be back in operation post necessary repairs.”

In response to the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the civil aviation regulator, has suspended the pilots involved. A senior official from the DGCA noted that the flight crew has been off rostered and that a thorough indigo seat map investigation into the incident is ongoing.

indigo has acknowledged the incident and assured the public that the aircraft will return to service only after all required repairs are completed. The airline added, “The incident is under investigation.”