United Airlines launches first transatlantic Starlink‑enabled widebody flight

United Airlines began operating its first Starlink‑equipped widebody aircraft on a Newark‑London route on 22 June, marking the carrier’s initial trans‑Atlantic service with the satellite‑based Wi‑Fi system. The airline plans to fit about 60 wide‑body jets by the end of 2026 and close to 1,000 aircraft by year‑end, offering free connectivity to MileagePlus members and reporting that onboard‑Wi‑Fi satisfaction scores have nearly doubled.

United also introduced a limited live‑TV service on up to 150 Starlink‑enabled aircraft through July, streaming channels such as ESPN, BBC News and Fox Sports via a partnership with DIRECTV.

Southwest Airlines entered the market with its first Starlink‑equipped Boeing 737‑800 on a Dallas‑Albuquerque flight, pledging to expand the technology across its fleet and providing free access to Rapid Rewards members.

Spanish carrier Iberia launched the first Starlink‑based, free high‑speed Wi‑Fi on an Airbus A330 flying from Madrid to São Paulo. The service, advertised at up to 500 Mbps, is available to all cabin classes and will be rolled out to roughly 35 % of Iberia’s long‑haul fleet over the next two years.