Southwest to Take Starlink Fleetwide by Fall 2027; United Passes 635 Aircraft and Launches Tracker
Southwest Airlines says it will install SpaceX's Starlink in-flight internet across its entire fleet by fall 2027 and expects to be the first major U.S. airline to finish a fleetwide rollout. Its first Starlink jet entered service on June 22. Tony Roach, Southwest's chief customer and brand officer, told industry media on October 15 that 47 aircraft are now connected, against a target set earlier this year of more than 300 by the end of 2026. Starlink Wi-Fi will remain free for Rapid Rewards members through a T-Mobile partnership.
The same day, United Airlines said Starlink is available on nearly half of its daily departures, covering more than 635 aircraft, and launched a Starlink Tracker that lets passengers check up to three days ahead whether their flight is equipped.
The two announcements mark Starlink's move from single-aircraft trials into scaled deployment at major U.S. carriers, with connection speed and free access becoming new competitive variables for passengers.
Starlink's aviation business runs on its low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation. SpaceX has not disclosed separate financial figures for the aviation segment.
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Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：飞行中的机翼（资料图）。照片：Eric Norris，CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。/ Photo: An aircraft wing in flight (file photo). Photo by Eric Norris, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
