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DALLAS — United Airlines (UA) has installed Starlink technology on its first regional aircraft.
The Chicago-based (CHI) airline has unveiled details of the process, underscoring the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment. These include size and weight, as well as ease of installation and maintenance.
The airline expects to install Starlink on over 40 regional aircraft each month from May through the end of the year. Earlier this year, UA said it planned to fit its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink technology by the end of 2025. Ultimately, UA intends to add Starlink to its entire fleet.
"Our ability to roll-out this innovative service with unprecedented speed and scale is a direct result of the advanced equipment, technology, and team of experts at United," said United's VP of Digital Technology, Grant Milstead.
Speedy Installation Times
The average Starlink install time is about 8 hours, excluding any de-installation of existing equipment, testing, or aircraft modification. This is roughly 10 times faster than installing non-Starlink equipment.
"Starlink has been a terrific partner – our combined spirit of innovation and collaboration will enable us to hit our goal of more than 300 regional aircraft installations before the end of this year," Milstead said.
UA has confirmed that customers flying on regional aircraft equipped with Starlink can expect Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current speeds on regional aircraft.
Enhanced Onboard Passenger Experience
Starlink offers UA customers an incredible onboard experience and enables a more streamlined installation, maintenance, and overall operation. It will also enable UA to offer the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky for free, complete with new onboard entertainment options.
Benefits include:
- Faster installation means less downtime: United is taking each plane out of service for just 4 days to de-install existing equipment, install Starlink, run tests, and close up the aircraft parts opened during the installation, versus an average of 10+ days for other inflight providers.
- Streamlined equipment: The entire Starlink installation kit weighs 85 pounds, compared to other inflight provider kits that can weigh up to 300 pounds, and is electronically steered with no moving parts, making it easier to transport and install and requiring less maintenance.
- Simple install: Streamlined equipment means a simpler install. Once an aircraft is taken out of service for the installation, the existing Wi-Fi is uninstalled. Then, the Starlink equipment is installed, including an internal reinforcement structure, external antenna, main cabin wireless access points, and power supply. Finally, the team runs system checks before and after closing the interior.
- More fuel-efficient: Starlink's 85-pound footprint on the aircraft means it requires less fuel to operate than other inflight providers.
- Weather-proofed: Weather on the ground doesn't hinder connectivity thanks to a weather-proofed inter-satellite laser link technology that allows satellites to communicate reliably with each other and the ground.
- More reliable: Starlink-equipped aircraft will constantly switch between Starlink's world's largest, low-earth-orbit constellation of satellites to ensure the best coverage and most reliable Wi-Fi onboard.
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Featured image: United Airlines
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