United Airlines Resumes Starlink Wi-Fi on Flights After Technical Glitch
United Airlines has successfully reinstated its in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi service following a technical malfunction that led to a temporary halt on certain aircraft. The Wi-Fi disruption, initially surfaced last month, was linked to static interference issues. United Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Toby Enqvist, indicated during an earnings call that the problem has been largely mitigated. The disturbance predominantly impacted the airline’s smaller Embraer E175 passenger planes. Enqvist highlighted that the root cause was the close proximity of the Starlink dish antenna to another crucial radio antenna used by pilots for air traffic control communications. The remedy involved relocating the satellite equipment on the planes to resolve the interference. This Wi-Fi difficulty is confined to the specific aircraft type and isn’t projected to affect the rest of United Airlines’ fleet. The larger jets have sufficient space to ensure the proper installation of the Starlink dishes to prevent similar issues. United Airlines has already implemented SpaceX’s satellite internet on sixty planes, with positive feedback on its performance. It is currently offering free access to the enhanced in-flight Wi-Fi for MileagePlus frequent flyer members, albeit with compulsory advertisement viewing. While the airline has announced plans to introduce the Starlink system across its entire fleet, a definitive timeline for this extensive upgrade hasn’t been provided. Passengers are advised to check availability on their flights during the ongoing implementation. Stay updated on the latest technological trends and events such as Digital Transformation Week happening in major cities worldwide, co-located with various leading expos by TechForge.
