United Airlines and DIRECTV have teamed up to bring live television, including major sports coverage, to passengers through Starlink-enabled seatback screens.
The service is available on up to 150 aircraft equipped with Starlink connectivity, offering passengers free access to more than a dozen live channels including FOX, ESPN, CNN, CBS, NBC, TNT, BBC News, and sports channels.
United said the feature will include live soccer coverage during this summer’s major sports tournament and will continue through July 20.
The airline currently has Starlink activated on more than 400 mainline and United Express aircraft, with plans to complete installation across its entire fleet by the end of 2027.
United also reported having more than 160,000 seatback screens across its fleet today, with plans to nearly double that number through new aircraft deliveries and cabin upgrades.
The live TV experience uses Viasat Live TV and Thales 360 applications, streamed through Starlink’s high-speed connectivity, giving passengers a more connected in-flight entertainment experience.
