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United's Kirby Says Delta's Starlink Snub Was A Mistake
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said on a podcast that Delta's choice to use Amazon's Leo satellite system instead of SpaceX's Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi was a mistake. He said 48% of United flights now offer Starlink, rising to 50% within days.
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What happened
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said on a podcast that Delta’s choice to use Amazon’s Leo satellite system instead of SpaceX’s Starlink for in-flight Wi-Fi was a mistake. He said 48% of United flights now offer Starlink, rising to 50% within days.
Confirmed
Global impact / market context
In-flight Wi-Fi can sway which airline travelers book, so a faster service may help United win customers from rivals. Kirby said people switch flights for Starlink, suggesting the service can support ticket sales and competitive standing.
Analyst inference
Airlines usually change fleets slowly because modifications are costly and certification takes time. United says it installs about three aircraft a day, while Delta picked Amazon’s Leo system in March 2026 for an initial 500 aircraft, setting up a contest between satellite providers.
Analyst inference
What to watch
- United aims for full-fleet Starlink coverage by the end of 2027, installing about three aircraft a day, so watch installation pace, certification progress and whether the airline meets that deadline. Confirmed
- Watch whether travelers actually book United flights because of Starlink, as Kirby claims, which would show the service drives revenue rather than just customer satisfaction. Proposed
- Watch Delta’s Amazon Leo rollout on its initial 500 aircraft, since slow installation or weak performance could raise costs and hand United a lasting advantage in fast Wi-Fi. Analyst inference