BrokenTechnology
Scott Kirby, CEO: “United will equip every mainline and regional aircraft with free Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2025.”
United · September 13, 2024 · Press Release
The Promise
“United will equip every mainline and regional aircraft with free Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2025.”
Scott Kirby, CEO · September 13, 2024 · Press Release · Source
Target
Metric: Fleet Starlink coverage
Target: 100% fleet by end of 2025
Deadline: December 31, 2025
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What Actually Happened
Verdict:Broken
United's first Starlink passenger flight was in May 2025, far behind the original timeline. As of November 2026, about 697 aircraft (46% of fleet, 51% of daily flights) have Starlink. The target has slipped to ~1,000 aircraft by end of 2026, with full fleet completion now expected by end of 2027.
Actual result: 46% of fleet equipped; full completion pushed to 2027
Source: One Mile at a Time, Simple Flying (checked Nov 2026)
Timeline
September 13, 2024
Promise made by Scott Kirby, CEO via Press Release
December 2025
Stated deadline
November 2026
Evidence checked — Broken
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