FAA Approves United Airlines Starlink-Equipped Aircraft

The satellites allow broadband internet use for customers.

The FAA has given United Airlines the greenlight for its first Starlink-equipped aircraft.

Starlink is a satellite internet service led by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The satellites allow broadband internet use for customers. The wi-fi service is expected to be 50 times faster than current in-flight wi-fi speeds.

Users will be able to access streaming services and watch live TV without buffering. They’ll also be able to play video games on live game-streaming services and connect multiple devices at the same time.

The service will be offered free to members of United’s Frequent-flyer program, compared to the $8 to $10 they currently pay.

Beta tests will be run by the carrier on some flights this month before the formal launch to work out any kinks. The airline plans to install Starlink into 40 planes per month through the end of this year.