United Airlines Secures FAA Certification for Starlink on International Aircraft

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United Airlines has officially been granted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to install Starlink high-speed WiFi systems on its international fleet. This milestone follows careful review of design, installation, testing and system certification, bringing the airline one step closer to offering seamless inflight internet service across its long-haul routes.

This approval comes just months after United began integrating Starlink connectivity into regional jets, and less than a year since the carrier struck a sweeping agreement with SpaceX to roll out Starlink service across both its mainline and regional fleets. The FAA’s clearance validates that the Starlink installation meets rigorous safety and reliability standards.

From Regional to International: Scaling the Connectivity Promise

United’s first Starlink-equipped regional flight—on an Embraer 175—launched in May 2025, and since then the airline has installed the system on more than half its regional aircraft. Passenger response has been overwhelmingly positive, with around 90 per cent of travellers praising the ability to stream content using Starlink’s consistent, high-speed connection.

With certification now secured for international aircraft—beginning with a 737-800—United can begin extending the same level of connectivity to its longer routes. The company emphasises that the technology will underpin a richer inflight experience, including streaming services, onboard gaming, shopping platforms, and more. United’s digital technology leadership has championed this shift, signalling that the integration of human service and digital innovation is central to its strategy.

A New Era for WiFi in the Skies

This step marks a turning point in the airline’s move to make inflight WiFi not merely a luxury, but a standard feature across its operations. The certification of Starlink for international aircraft bridges a critical gap, enabling United to scale across global sectors. As the rollout proceeds, the real test will be how smoothly the installations proceed, how robust the connectivity proves under long-haul conditions, and how passenger expectations evolve.

With this development, United positions itself at the forefront of in-flight connectivity, challenging other carriers to raise their game—or risk being left behind.