United Deploys Starlink on 777-200; Fuel Prices Drop 13% Narrows Valuation Gap
UAL•United’s first Starlink-equipped widebody transatlantic flight on a 777-200 begins installations on 60 widebodies and aims for full coverage by next summer. Jet fuel prices fell 13% in three sessions, and UBS noted United’s 2027 earnings multiple trades below half Delta’s, with lower fuel costs helping narrow the valuation gap.
1. Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout
United began its first Starlink-enabled widebody transatlantic service today on a 777-200 from Newark to London, marking the start of installations on 60 widebodies this year. The airline plans to complete full fleet coverage by next summer, scaling its current Starlink footprint from 400 planes toward a 1,000-aircraft target by year-end, enhancing in‐flight internet speeds and customer satisfaction.
2. Fuel Price Decline and Valuation Impact
Jet fuel costs plunged 13% over three trading sessions to levels 40% below their April peaks, delivering immediate unit cost relief. UBS highlighted United’s 2027 earnings multiple trades at under half that of Delta’s, and said sustained lower fuel prices could help narrow this valuation gap by boosting profit margins and future EPS.
