Sports-obsessed travelers don’t have to miss any action from the FIFA World Cup, even after boarding a plane, thanks to United Airlines.
The carrier has partnered with DIRECTV to add live streaming television to its Starlink-enabled entertainment screens this summer through July 20. That means travelers on Starlink-equipped United flights can watch every game of the FIFA World Cup at 35,000 feet.
But it’s not just sports that passengers will be able to stream under the new launch. Content from dozens of TV channels will be available to watch live across categories like news, weather, entertainment, and even additional sports coverage.
Travelers can expect to access shows from channels like FOX, Fox Sports 1, Apple F1, ABC, ESPN, TNT, CNN, CBS, NBC, TBS, and BBC News.
The new entertainment option utilizes Viasat Live TV and Thales 360 web applications to stream live television content and will be available on up to 150 of United’s Starlink-equipped planes.
“Teaming up with DIRECTV is a way for us to give customers a glimpse into the future of inflight entertainment with live sports and do it during one of the world's most popular sporting events," said United's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella.
The carrier has more than 160,000 seatback screens across its fleet, with plans to double that number as aircraft retrofit initiatives and new plane deliveries roll on.
“The real customer benefit happens when those screens are dynamic and offer real-time, streaming content just like your phone,” Nocella said. “That's where the combination of Starlink's reliable and fast connectivity and DIRECTV IN FLIGHT live TV is a game-changer."
United has been adding Starlink capabilities across its fleet at a steady pace. The ultra-fast Wi-Fi is now available on more than 400 mainline and regional aircraft and the carrier just launched the connectivity on its first widebody transatlantic flight from New York to London earlier this week.
The airline expects Starlink will be available on its entire fleet by the end of 2027.
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