# United CEO Says Starlink Wi-Fi and Mobile App Help Poach Rival Airlines’ Flyers

> United CEO claims Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app attract customers from rival airlines.
- Title: United CEO Says Starlink Wi-Fi and Mobile App Help Poach…
- Summary: United CEO claims Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app attract customers from rival airlines. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app…
- Keywords: united, starlink, mobile app, airlines, flyers, connection saver, starlink wi-fi, business, finance, CEO, Wi-Fi, Mobile
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/earnings/2026/united-ceo-says-starlink-wi-fi-and-mobile-app-help-poach-rival-airlines-flyers
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-10-21T17:25:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: united, starlink, mobile app, airlines, flyers, connection saver, starlink wi-fi, business, finance
## United CEO claims Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app attract customers
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app help poach customers from rival airlines.

> It is hard to get brand-loyal customers to switch airlines, and while it is mostly anecdotal, we are seeing two important things happen
## Starlink Wi-Fi on 640+ aircraft by end of 2027
United has installed Starlink Wi-Fi on more than 640 aircraft and expects to make it available fleetwide by the end of 2027.
## Starlink helps loyal customers switch airlines
Customers who are brand loyal to other airlines switch to United flights because of Starlink and stay due to better service and technology.

> One, customers who are brand loyal to other airlines and have flown them for years switch to a United flight solely because of Starlink.
## ConnectionSaver saves 3.3m connections since 2019
United’s ConnectionSaver AI tool has saved more than 3.3 million customer connections since its 2019 launch.

> ConnectionSaver is United’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool that identifies departing flights that can be held for connecting customers without delaying the on-time arrival of those who have already boarded.
## Mobile app features for rebooked travelers
United added a mobile app feature allowing rebooked travelers to stand by for up to three earlier flights after disruptions.

> During the third quarter, United added to its mobile app a feature that allows customers who are rebooked to a later flight after a travel disruption to stand by for as many as three earlier flights and receive a text notification when a seat becomes available.
## Key takeaway

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says Starlink Wi-Fi and mobile app help retain customers by offering better technology than competitors.