United starts Starlink installation on Guam-based 737 MAX 8s

United Airlines began installing Starlink Wi-Fi on its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, starting with aircraft based in Guam, the airline said on October 13, 2026.

Two Guam-based MAX 8s already have the equipment. They are among the first jets in the fleet to receive it.

United also confirmed that its Guam-based Boeing 737-800s have been replaced by newer 737 MAX 8s, completed earlier than planned. Chief Customer Officer David Kinzelman announced the change at a press conference at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport.

Kinzelman said the airline had committed to swapping out its entire Guam fleet for MAX 8s by the end of the year and finished ahead of that deadline. The same jets, he added, are among the first MAX 8s in the carrier's fleet to be fitted with Starlink.

Starlink uses satellites in low-Earth orbit to deliver internet access, including across oceans and remote areas where conventional inflight Wi-Fi has often performed poorly. According to United, the system is particularly valuable on its Pacific routes, which include long stretches over open water and serve isolated communities. The airline said onboard connection speeds can beat the standard broadband available in parts of Micronesia.

Access is free for MileagePlus members regardless of cabin, and several devices can be connected at once, the carrier said. Starlink is now available on roughly 47% of United's daily flights, and the airline aims to complete the fleetwide rollout.