Pilots of Starlink-Equipped Jets Report Interference in Communications

United Airlines has temporarily shut off its Starlink satellite internet system on a portion of its fleet after pilots reported static interference during radio transmissions. The airline confirmed that nearly two dozen Embraer E175 regional jets equipped with the system were affected.

The carrier cited interference between Starlink antennas and cockpit communications equipment, noting that the problem is “fairly common” with new in-flight Wi-Fi systems and does not pose a safety risk.

The disruption comes just weeks after United became one of the first US airlines to offer SpaceX’s Starlink service onboard, joining Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, and airBaltic. United began offering the service for free with ads in May and had planned to install it across its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025.

The airline’s plan was stalled, however, once flight crews began noticing issues shortly after launch. This prompted United to disable Starlink access fleetwide while working with SpaceX on a solution. A fix has already been implemented on about one-third of the affected aircraft, and United plans to resolve the rest during scheduled maintenance. The issue has yet to affect flights.

The FAA had already granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installing Starlink on the Embraer 175, and United has been looking for approvals to outfit more than 16 other aircraft types with the system. The process includes design, testing, and FAA review, often requiring aircraft to be grounded for several days.

In the meantime, United is keeping itself busy by adding other entertainment options. The airline recently partnered with Spotify to offer unique playlists on over 680 aircraft, replacing the standard audio entertainment menu.

FMI: www.united.com