Elon Musk's Starlink Could Find Its Way To Delta Airlines' In-Flight Internet

Delta Air Lines Inc DAL held discussions with Tesla Inc TSLA CEO Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for its Starlink satellite internet service, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing the airline CEO Ed Bastian.

What Happened: The Atlanta, Georgia-based airline aims to introduce Starlink’s high-speed, satellite-based wireless internet on its planes.

The airline has also tested the offering. Bastian has in the past called for faster and free internet on flights. The airline ran a pilot program in 2019 offering free internet on some flights.

Starlink beams down high-speed internet via satellites in orbit to Earth, especially to remote areas, including those ravaged by war or natural calamity.

See Also: US Airlines Rush To End COVID-19 Mask Mandate After Federal Judge Calls 2-Year-Old Directive Unlawful

Why It Matters: Musk in June said SpaceX was in the process of getting the service certified with plane makers Boeing Co BA and Airbus SE EADSY, as they “serve the most number of people.”

The billionaire entrepreneur had then revealed Starlink was being tested on General Dynamics Corp's GD Gulfstream business jet.

Starlink has plans to launch 4,425 satellites in orbit by 2024. SpaceX is known to have launched over 2,000 satellites.

Price Action: UAL stock closed 2.57% lower at $43.9 a share on Monday.