Standout innovations over the years have forever changed the way we fly. The introduction of jet engine technology in the 1950s paved the way for subsonic speeds, enabling faster travel across vast distances. This breakthrough made it possible to reach nearly every corner of the globe from the U.S. in under a day. Next came in-flight entertainment systems, onboard food and beverages, and of course, self-check-in, cutting airport wait times down to as little as an hour.
Over a century of progress has led the commercial aviation industry to a remarkable milestone: seamless, high-speed Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to game, work, study and unwind at 35,000 feet.
United Airlines partners with Starlink to provide fast free Wi-Fi
United Airlines installed Starlink Wi-Fi technology on its first regional aircraft last week, marking the beginning of a year-long process to equip its entire regional fleet with the satellite-based service. With Starlink, United flights will enjoy vastly improved in-flight internet speeds, reaching up to 220 Mbps, far faster than current offerings. The service comes at no charge for those with a MileagePlus membership, which is also free.
Starlink is a growing constellation of satellites orbiting about 550 km above Earth, bringing high-speed global Wi-Fi to the most remote corners of the world. The technology is helping airlines shape the future of air travel and enhance the passenger experience.
Starlink’s technology is already live on many Qatar Airways flights, delivering Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps. Their early adoption of Starlink was a smart, strategic move, attracting considerable attention for its potential to revolutionize the in-flight experience.
The announcement highlighted how the Wi-Fi could unlock a new level of productivity, enabling passengers to work, join video calls and answer emails—all while in the air. Qatar Airways’ Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 now holds the distinction of being the largest passenger plane in the world to have the tech onboard.
Work anywhere: Starlink makes remote work possible at 900 kph
Long-haul passengers could soon work a full shift while flying at 900 kph, thanks to Starlink’s lightweight 85-pound system. And with speeds so fast, Starlink’s service might even outperform what you had in the airport terminal.
The rise of digital nomadism means more people are traveling and working remotely, seamlessly managing important tasks on the go. What’s more, this trend is revitalizing areas where tourism is a lifeline. As countries increasingly introduce new remote worker visas, many offer compelling incentives: affordable living, beautiful weather and a refreshing environment to boost your spirit. Nomads won’t have to wait long either if they’re flying with United anytime soon. The airline is preparing to equip over 40 planes a month with Starlink, so on your next trip away, you might not have to take the day off.
40+ million digital nomads on the move in 2025
Flying and working was possible before, but limited by weak internet connections and limited access. With Starlink’s rapid growth on legacy carriers, managing your professional life from the sky is now a tangible reality. With each passing year, advancements in technology and work habits are enabling more people to travel abroad, especially those with the flexibility to work remotely. The digital nomad population surpassed 40 million in 2024, with those numbers expected to rise this year as Southeast Asia and the Caribbean prepare for record travel booms.
Virtual collaboration platforms, like Google Meet and Slack, and project management app tools like Monday.com and Trello are revolutionizing the virtual office environment, making it more efficient, resourceful and inclusive for teams working across time zones in real time. These services enable employees to set reminders, manage workloads and track assignments, ensuring that no matter where you are in the world, it feels like you’re starting the day together.
United Airlines is set for its largest international route expansion to date in 2025, with the airline adding eight exciting new destinations this year. New cities include Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal; Faro, Portugal and Dakar, Senegal. This summer, United’s transatlantic schedule will be its most extensive ever, featuring over 760 weekly flights. And with ultrafast Wi-Fi available wherever your travels take you, staying connected will feel just like clocking in as normal.
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