Starlink installed on a United Airlines mainline aircraft. Photo: United

United Airlines has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the first mainline Starlink-equipped aircraft, ahead of the first commercial flight planned for Oct. 15. 

The FAA approved Starlink’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) amendment for the Boeing 737-800 to include United’s fleet, United announced Friday. United expects the first Starlink-equipped mainline flight to be onboard a United Boeing 737-800 that will fly from Newark/New York on Oct. 15.

The airline is already flying Starlink on more than half of its regional fleet after securing an STC for the Embraer 175 in March of this year. United said Friday it is installing Starlink on approximately 50 regional jets each month.

Overall, United is working with Starlink to secure STCs for all United aircraft  — more than 16 aircraft models across its regional and mainline fleets. The STC process includes design, installation, testing, and FAA approval.

United announced its deal with Starlink a year ago to roll out Starlink in-flight connectivity (IFC) across its entire fleet. The service is free for United’s MileagePlus members

“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,” said Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of Digital Technology. “We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more.”