United introduces Starlink on Guam-based 737 MAX jets

United has started the rollout of Starlink aboard its Boeing 737 MAX fleet on its Guam-based aircraft.

The Chicago, US-based airline announced on October 13 that it has completed the installation of the high-speed, low-latency internet service on two of its Guam-based 737 MAX 8 aircraft. It follows the completion of the transition of the Guam-based 737 fleet from the older 737-800s to the newer MAX 8s.

With Starlink, the two Guam-based 737 MAX 8 are among the first of United’s MAX fleet to have it installed.

“Guam is where two of our biggest customer investments come together," said David Kinzelman,

United’s Chief Customer Officer. "We said we would replace the entire Guam fleet with MAX 8 aircraft by the end of this year, and we've finished early. Now those same aircraft are among the first MAX 8s in our fleet to get Starlink. Starlink is a game changer for our customers, delivering the fast, reliable connectivity they expect, and we’re proud that our Guam-based aircraft are among the first of our MAX 8s to receive it.”

Since the introduction of the first Guam-based 737 MAX 8 in March, United has replaced the older 737-800s with 10 MAX 8s operating to/from Guam and its intra-Asia flights from Tokyo Narita. Among the routes the aircraft are used on include the Island Hopper service serving five islands in Micronesia between Guam and Honolulu.

United’s Guam-based 737 MAX 8s have 164 seats including 14 United First seats. It features a special configuration to allow the front Economy rows to be converted when necessary to accommodate a medical stretcher for patients requiring medevac transportation.