Starlink is ‘biggest competitive advantage,’ but it’s temporary, United CEO says

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby calls SpaceX's Starlink the carrier's biggest competitive advantage but temporary, since all airlines will eventually adopt low-Earth-orbit internet, according to Teslarati. As of late October 2026, Starlink covered about 43 percent of United's fleet, with targets of 61 percent by year-end, 87 percent by June 2027, and full coverage by end of 2027. United already operates more Starlink flights than the rest of the U.S. industry combined, and Los Angeles International Airport will become its first 100 percent Starlink hub in the first half of 2027, with the app showing Starlink availability per flight.

Wi-Fi satisfaction on Starlink planes is nearly double that of other systems. Rivals are moving slower: Southwest began installations in 2025, Delta is pursuing Amazon's Leo system, and American plans to start Starlink work in early 2027. Kirby aims to use the multi-year lead to convert trial users into loyal customers by combining the connectivity edge with broader technology upgrades such as larger screens, oversized bins, and a superior mobile app, supporting a 10 percent pre-tax margin goal.

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Starlink is ‘biggest competitive advantage,’ but it’s temporary, United CEO says — Teslarati