The airline industry is changing fast with better internet options for passengers. United Airlines is releasing a new advertisement during the Super Bowl to mark a big achievement. The airline has installed Starlink satellite hardware on more than 300 regional aircraft.
This move is part of a larger trend where 34 airlines have agreed to use SpaceX technology. Agreements for 21 of these airlines were signed in the last three months alone. This means passengers will soon see faster internet speeds on many different carriers.
Which airlines are upgrading their fleets
United Airlines is moving quickly and plans to have over 800 planes ready by the end of 2026. Qatar Airways has already equipped 120 widebody planes, covering their entire A350 and B777 fleets. Emirates has also started installing the system on its Airbus A380s as of February 2026.
Air India is also a key player in this space. It became the first to launch free domestic Wi-Fi in January 2025. While it uses different satellite partners currently, it is leading the market in offering free access to passengers on its A350 and B787-9 aircraft.
| Airline | Status | Offer Details |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 300+ jets ready | Free for MileagePlus members |
| Qatar Airways | 120 planes done | Speeds up to 500 Mbps |
| Emirates | Installations started | Targeting 150 aircraft |
| Air France | Rollout underway | Free for Flying Blue members |
Rules for using internet in the sky
The new Starlink system allows internet access from the moment you board until you leave the plane. This is different from older systems that only worked above 10,000 feet. The connection is strong enough for 4K streaming and online gaming.
There are strict rules about usage. Voice and video calls are not allowed on most US carriers like United to keep the cabin quiet. Also, Elon Musk recently confirmed that SpaceX is not making a phone, so the focus remains strictly on satellite internet services.
