Kirby calls Starlink the most important factor for customers choosing an airline and the biggest competitive advantage, though a temporary one as everyone will eventually get high-speed LEO connectivity.
the most important thing for customers to choose an airline now
All statements by Scott Kirby ›
Kirby says fast connectivity, not free access, is the real value proposition for in-flight Wi-Fi, and only Starlink delivers it.
Free was never the value proposition. Fast is the value proposition, and there’s only one option for fast. It’s Starlink.
Kirby says Delta's decision to pass on Starlink in favor of Amazon's Leo for in-flight Wi-Fi was a mistake.
It was a mistake
Kirby says customers are already switching flights to get Starlink service, which he expects to help build loyalty to United.
I’m talking to people like, ‘I’m switching to flying a regional flight because it’s got Starlink.’
Scott Kirby warned fuel prices may stay elevated through 2027 and that double-digit margins require lower fuel costs, slower capacity growth or higher fares over volume.
Fuel prices may stay high through 2027. To achieve double-digit pre-tax margins, airlines must rely on falling fuel costs, slower capacity growth, or continuing to raise fares rather than pursue higher passenger volumes.Original (zh)
聯合航空執行長科比（Scott Kirby）則警告，燃油價格可能在2027年持續處於高檔。他指出，若要實現兩位數的稅前利潤率，航空公司必須仰賴燃油成本下降、放緩運能成長，或繼續採取提高票價、而非追求更高載客量的策略。
Kirby says LEO Wi-Fi will eventually be industry standard, but United expects to be the only global U.S. airline with Starlink at scale in 2027-2028, drawing new customers.
We know that eventually high-speed, low earth orbit Wi-Fi will be industry standard for everyone,” Kirby said. But for 2027 and really 2028, we are well on our way to being the only global U.S. airline with Starlink at scale. So a lot of new customers are going to try us.