This article is based on an official press release from United Airlines.

United Airlines Completes Starlink Installation on 300+ Regional Aircraft

United Airlines has officially announced a significant advancement in its inflight connectivity strategy, confirming on February 2, 2026, that it has completed the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi on its entire two-cabin regional fleet. According to the airline’s announcement, more than 300 regional aircraft, specifically Embraer E175s and Bombardier CRJ-550s, are now equipped with the high-speed, low-latency service.

To mark this milestone, United revealed plans to debut a new advertising campaign during the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. The campaign highlights the capabilities of the new system, which utilizes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet speeds comparable to ground-based connections. The rollout is part of a broader strategy to equip the airline’s mainline fleet, with United projecting that over 500 mainline aircraft will be Starlink-enabled by the end of 2026.

Rapid Rollout and Performance Metrics

The speed of United’s installation process has been notable within the aviation industry. In the press release, the airline stated that the service is now available on approximately 25% of its daily departures, translating to roughly 1,200 flights per day. Over the past 10 months, United reports that 7 million passengers have flown on Starlink-equipped aircraft, with 3.7 million devices connecting to the service.

Grant Milstead, Vice President of Digital Technology at United Airlines, emphasized the scale of the project in a statement:

“We’re rolling out Starlink at an unprecedented speed and scale, and our milestone for our regional fleet is just the beginning. This is all part of our commitment to bring this innovative service to our entire fleet.”

The airline claims that customer satisfaction scores regarding Wi-Fi have nearly doubled on flights featuring the new technology. Independent testing cited by the airline indicates download speeds consistently exceeding 100 Mbps, with peak speeds reaching 222 Mbps. The low latency of approximately 44 milliseconds allows for bandwidth-intensive activities previously difficult to sustain in the air, such as live streaming and online gaming.

Future Roadmap

United has outlined an aggressive timeline for the remainder of its fleet. Following the completion of the regional jets, the carrier aims to equip over 500 mainline aircraft, including Boeing 737s, 777s, and Airbus A321s, by the end of 2026. This would bring the total number of connected planes to over 800. The airline targets a fleet-wide completion of more than 1,000 aircraft by 2027.

Super Bowl Advertising Campaign

United will leverage the high visibility of Super Bowl LX to promote the service. The new ad spot is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Rather than a national broadcast, the airline is employing a targeted strategy, airing the commercial in local markets that see a high frequency of Starlink-equipped regional flights.

According to the announcement, the target markets include:

• Denver (DEN)
• Houston (IAH)
• Cleveland (CLE)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Indianapolis (IND)
• Kansas City (MCI)
• Colorado Springs (COS)

The creative concept focuses on “travel truths”, scenarios that are now feasible at 30,000 feet, such as live-streaming the Super Bowl itself or monitoring home security feeds in real-time. Maggie Schmerin, United’s Chief Advertising Officer, explained the campaign’s intent:

“Starlink is transforming the inflight experience on United planes with reliable connectivity that enables everything from productivity to streaming the biggest football game of the season.”

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of Starlink installation on the regional fleet represents a strategic pivot in the competitive landscape of domestic U.S. aviation. Historically, regional jets (often operated by partners like SkyWest or Mesa under major airline brands) have suffered from inferior connectivity due to the high cost and weight of traditional satellite domes. By prioritizing these smaller aircraft, United addresses a consistent pain point for business travelers in secondary markets.

Furthermore, the move intensifies the rivalry with Delta Air Lines, which has been rolling out free Wi-Fi via Viasat. While Viasat relies on Geostationary (GEO) satellites orbiting at roughly 22,000 miles, Starlink’s LEO constellation orbits at approximately 350 miles. This physical difference is the primary driver behind the lower latency figures cited by United. By offering this service for free to MileagePlus members, United is also leveraging the technology as a tool for loyalty program acquisition, ensuring that the value of the connectivity translates directly into customer data and retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Starlink Wi-Fi free for all passengers?
Access is complimentary, but passengers must sign in with a United MileagePlus account to use the service.

Which aircraft currently have Starlink?
As of February 2, 2026, the installation is complete on the two-cabin regional fleet, which includes Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ-550 aircraft.

When will mainline jets get the service?
United plans to equip over 500 mainline aircraft (such as Boeing 737s and 777s) by the end of 2026, with fleet-wide completion targeted for 2027.

Does the Wi-Fi work gate-to-gate?
Yes, the service connects from the moment passengers board until they deplane, unlike older air-to-ground systems that required the aircraft to be at a certain altitude.

Sources

• United Airlines Press Release

Lufthansa Initiates Major A380 Retrofit: New Business Class to Debut in April 2026

Lufthansa has officially launched a comprehensive modernization program for its entire fleet of eight Airbus A380 aircraft. According to an announcement from the Lufthansa Group, the retrofit focuses on installing a completely new Business Class product to replace the current generation of seats. The first aircraft to undergo this transformation, registration D-AIMC (“Mike-Charly”), has already arrived at Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Dresden, Germany.

The airline confirmed that the first retrofitted A380 is scheduled to return to scheduled service in April 2026, operating out of the Munich hub. The entire fleet of eight superjumbos is expected to complete the upgrade process by the summer of 2027.

A New Standard for the Superjumbo

The core of this retrofit is the replacement of the older 2-2-2 Business Class configuration with a modern 1-2-1 layout. This change guarantees direct aisle access for every passenger on the upper deck, addressing a long-standing request from premium travelers. To facilitate this upgrade, Lufthansa has selected the “Vantage XL” seat from Thompson Aero Seating.

While Lufthansa is currently rolling out its flagship “Allegris” cabin on other long-haul aircraft, the decision to use the Thompson Vantage XL for the A380 was strategic. By selecting a seat model that is already certified and widely used in the industry, the Airlines can execute a rapid installation timeline without the production delays currently affecting the Allegris supply chain.

Heiko Reitz, CCO of Lufthansa Airlines, highlighted the importance of the A380 to the carrier’s premium strategy in a press statement:

“The A380 is and remains a customer favorite. With the new Business Class, we are responding to the wishes of our guests. The new premium seats offer more privacy and significantly more comfort than before.”

Technical Specifications and Cabin Layout

The retrofit involves significant changes to the upper deck’s density and layout. According to the technical details released by the airline, the new Business Class cabin will feature 68 seats, a reduction from the previous 78. This reduction allows for the spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration.

Key features of the new Business Class product include:

• Seat Width: 58 cm (approx. 23 inches).
• Bed Length: A fully flat surface measuring 2 meters (6.5 feet).
• Connectivity: Integrated wireless charging and USB-C ports.
• Privacy: Flexible privacy partitions and a staggered design.

The remaining cabins on the A380 will remain unchanged during this retrofit. The aircraft will maintain a total capacity of 499 seats, distributed as follows:

• First Class: 8 seats (Upper Deck).
• Business Class: 68 seats (Upper Deck, New Product).
• Premium Economy: 52 seats (Main Deck).
• Economy Class: 371 seats (Main Deck).

AirPro News Analysis

This retrofit program signals a definitive shift in Lufthansa’s fleet strategy. Originally slated for retirement during the pandemic, the A380 has been reactivated due to surging travel demand and persistent Delivery delays for the Boeing 777-9. By investing in a hard product upgrade, Lufthansa is acknowledging that the A380 will remain a critical asset for high-volume routes to destinations like New York, Los Angeles, and Delhi for at least the next several years.

The choice of the Thompson Vantage XL is a pragmatic move. It allows Lufthansa to offer a competitive, industry-standard product (direct aisle access and increased privacy) without risking the regulatory and manufacturing bottlenecks associated with their bespoke “Allegris” suites. This ensures the A380 fleet remains consistent with the expectations of modern business travelers while bridging the gap until next-generation aircraft arrive in larger numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the first retrofitted A380 fly?
The first aircraft is scheduled to re-enter commercial service in April 2026.

Is this the new “Allegris” Business Class?
No. The A380 is receiving the Thompson Vantage XL seat. This is a proven, off-the-shelf product chosen for its reliability and speed of installation, distinct from the custom Allegris product found on the A350 and 787 fleets.

Will Economy or Premium Economy be upgraded?
No. The current retrofit program is strictly limited to the Business Class cabin on the upper deck. First Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats remain unchanged.

How long will the retrofit take?
Work began in February 2026, and Lufthansa expects all eight aircraft to be completed by the middle of 2027.

Sources

• Lufthansa Group

This article is based on an official press release from Equinor.

Equinor and Vår Energi Award NOK 1.9 Billion Helicopters Contract to Bristow for Barents Sea Operations

Equinor and Vår Energi have jointly awarded a significant long-term contract to Bristow Group for helicopter transportation and search and rescue (SAR) services. Valued at approximately NOK 1.9 billion, the agreement secures critical aviation support for operations in the Barents Sea, anchored at the Hammerfest base in Norway.

The contract is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026. According to the official announcement, the agreement spans a fixed period of three years and includes options for two additional one-year extensions. This award underscores the continued strategic importance of the Hammerfest hub as activity levels in the northern region increase following the production start of the Johan Castberg field and continued operations at Goliat.

Contract Scope and Fleet Configuration

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristow Norway AS will continue to provide aviation services using Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. The scope of work covers both crew transportation and emergency preparedness, ensuring a robust logistical link between the mainland and offshore installations.

The operational configuration at Hammerfest will remain consistent with current standards:

• Two Sikorsky S-92 helicopters dedicated to crew transport.
• One Sikorsky S-92 helicopter permanently configured for All-Weather Search and Rescue (AWSAR) duties.

Equinor noted that the transport helicopters are designed to be reconfigured for SAR operations if necessary, providing a critical layer of redundancy for emergency response in the remote region.

“We have had a long and good cooperation with Bristow, and we are pleased to award them this contract. It provides predictability for the helicopter services in the Barents Sea and ensures necessary capacity for both transportation and search and rescue services.”

, Mette Ottøy, Senior Vice President for Joint Operations Support at Equinor

Supporting High Activity in the High North

The timing of this contract aligns with a “high activity” phase in the Barents Sea. The region has seen increased operational demands following the startup of the Johan Castberg field in March 2025. Located approximately 240 kilometers from Hammerfest, Johan Castberg requires stable, long-range logistical support.

Vår Energi, which operates the Goliat field and holds a 30% stake in Johan Castberg, emphasized the importance of the Hammerfest base. The proximity of the base to offshore installations is vital for minimizing flight times and maximizing safety margins in the Arctic environment.

AirPro News Analysis: Stability Over Novelty

The decision to extend the contract with Bristow using the Sikorsky S-92 fleet signals a preference for operational stability over fleet diversification in this specific region. While the offshore industry has seen recent moves toward introducing super-medium aircraft like the Leonardo AW189 or Bell 525 to reduce reliance on a single heavy helicopter type, the Barents Sea presents unique challenges.

The harsh weather, long distances, and winter darkness of the High North demand aircraft with significant range and proven de-icing capabilities. By retaining the S-92 and an incumbent operator with over two decades of experience in Hammerfest, Equinor and Vår Energi appear to be prioritizing continuity and proven performance for their northernmost assets.

Emergency Preparedness and Regional Safety

Beyond logistical transport, the contract plays a pivotal role in regional safety. The dedicated SAR helicopter based in Hammerfest serves as a primary emergency lifeline not only for oil and gas workers but potentially for the broader maritime community in the Barents Sea.

According to the press release, the SAR service is fully equipped for night vision, infrared search, and medical evacuation. This capability is essential for operations in an area where alternative emergency resources are scarce and response times from other bases would be significantly longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the new helicopter contract?

The contract is valued at approximately NOK 1.9 billion (roughly USD 170 million).

When does the contract begin?

The new contract period starts on September 1, 2026.

Which companies are involved?

The contract was awarded by Equinor and Vår Energi (as clients) to Bristow Group (as the contractor).

What aircraft will be used?

Bristow will utilize Sikorsky S-92 helicopters for both transport and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

Sources: Equinor, Vår Energi, Bristow Group