United Airlines partners with SpaceX to offer in-flight internet, ViaSat stock takes a hit
September 18, 2024

☀️Trending News
United Airlines ($NASDAQ:UAL), one of the major players in the airline industry, has recently announced a partnership with SpaceX, a company founded by Elon Musk. This collaboration aims to offer in-flight internet service to United’s passengers, from the moment they board the plane until they reach their destination. This move is seen as a major advancement in the airline industry, as it promises to provide a seamless and uninterrupted internet experience for travelers. The deal between United Airlines and SpaceX has caused quite a stir in the stock market, particularly for ViaSat, a company that currently provides in-flight Wi-Fi services for United’s planes. Similarly, Gogo, another major provider of in-flight Wi-Fi, also saw a decline in its stock prices. One of the major selling points of this partnership is that United Airlines’ passengers will now have access to complimentary in-flight internet service from gate to gate. This means that they will no longer have to wait until the plane reaches a certain altitude before being able to use the internet. This is a significant improvement from the current system, where passengers can only access Wi-Fi once the plane reaches a certain altitude, and sometimes even then it may not be available for the entire duration of the flight. The partnership between United Airlines and SpaceX is expected to improve the overall travel experience for passengers. With complimentary in-flight internet service, travelers can stay connected with their loved ones or continue working on their projects while in the air. This is especially beneficial for business travelers who rely heavily on internet connectivity during their flights. As for the impact on ViaSat and Gogo’s business, it remains to be seen how this partnership will affect them in the long run.
However, with United Airlines being one of the largest airlines in the world, it is expected that this collaboration will have a significant impact on the in-flight Wi-Fi market. It also serves as a reminder that in the constantly evolving world of technology, companies must continue to innovate and adapt to stay relevant in their respective industries. In conclusion, the partnership between United Airlines and SpaceX has not only garnered attention for its potential to improve the in-flight experience for travelers but also caused a significant impact on the stock market. This move showcases United Airlines’ commitment to providing top-notch services to its passengers and reinforces SpaceX’s position as a leader in the space and technology industry.
Market Price
This news caused a ripple effect in the market, particularly for the stock of ViaSat, a company that previously provided in-flight Wi-Fi for UNITED AIRLINES. The day started on a positive note for UNITED AIRLINES, with their stock opening at $50.1 and closing at $50.22, up by 1.15% from the previous close of 49.65. This increase can be attributed to the excitement and potential growth opportunities of this new partnership. With the increasing demand for reliable in-flight internet services, this collaboration with SpaceX is expected to greatly benefit UNITED AIRLINES and its customers.
However, the same cannot be said for ViaSat. This decrease in stock value can be attributed to the fact that UNITED AIRLINES was one of ViaSat’s biggest clients for in-flight Wi-Fi services, and this partnership with SpaceX means the loss of a major source of revenue for ViaSat. Despite the impact on ViaSat’s stock, this partnership is seen as a strategic move by UNITED AIRLINES to enhance their in-flight experience and remain competitive in the airline industry. SpaceX’s advanced satellite technology and high-speed internet capabilities are expected to greatly improve the in-flight Wi-Fi experience for UNITED AIRLINES passengers. This partnership also aligns with UNITED AIRLINES’ goal of offering cutting-edge technology and services to their customers. With more people relying on internet connectivity during flights for work and entertainment purposes, this collaboration with SpaceX is a timely and significant step towards meeting the evolving needs of travelers. In conclusion, the announcement of UNITED AIRLINES’ partnership with SpaceX to provide in-flight internet services has brought about mixed reactions in the stock market. While UNITED AIRLINES’ stock saw a slight increase, ViaSat’s stock took a hit. However, this partnership is expected to greatly benefit UNITED AIRLINES in terms of customer satisfaction and technological advancements. Live Quote…
About the Company
Income Snapshot
Below shows the total revenue, net income and net margin for United Airlines. More…
| Total Revenues | Net Income | Net Margin |
| 53.72k | 2.62k | 6.2% |
Cash Flow Snapshot
Below shows the cash from operations, investing and financing for United Airlines. More…
| Operations | Investing | Financing |
| 6.91k | -6.11k | -1.89k |
Balance Sheet Snapshot
Below shows the total assets, liabilities and book value per share for United Airlines. More…
| Total Assets | Total Liabilities | Book Value Per Share |
| 71.1k | 61.78k | 26.99 |
Key Ratios Snapshot
Some of the financial key ratios for United Airlines are shown below. More…
| 3Y Rev Growth | 3Y Operating Profit Growth | Operating Margin |
| 51.8% | -18.3% | 9.6% |
| FCF Margin | ROE | ROA |
| -0.5% | 36.4% | 4.5% |
Analysis
After conducting a thorough analysis of UNITED AIRLINES‘s financials, I have found that the company has a strong position in terms of assets, with a medium level of growth and profitability. However, it appears to be weaker in terms of dividend payments. However, its growth and profitability are at a medium level, indicating that there is room for improvement in these areas. Additionally, the weakness in dividend payments may not be appealing to investors who prioritize steady income. In terms of overall financial health, UNITED AIRLINES has an intermediate score of 5/10. This suggests that the company has a solid cash flow and manageable levels of debt, which could potentially help it ride out any financial crisis without the risk of bankruptcy. Based on our analysis, we have classified UNITED AIRLINES as a ‘cheetah’ company. This means that the company has achieved high revenue or earnings growth, but is considered less stable due to lower profitability. This may be appealing to investors who prioritize growth opportunities over stability. In conclusion, UNITED AIRLINES may be of interest to investors who are looking for a medium-risk opportunity with potential for growth. However, those who prioritize steady dividends may not be as interested in the company. Overall, it is important for investors to carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before making any decisions. More…

Peers
In the airline industry, there are a few dominant players. United Airlines Holdings Inc is one of the largest, and its competitors include Delta Air Lines Inc, Southwest Airlines Co, and American Airlines Group Inc. All of these companies are well-established and have a strong presence in the market.
– Delta Air Lines Inc ($NYSE:DAL)
Delta Air Lines is an American airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company operates a mainline fleet of over 800 aircraft and its regional affiliates operate over 2,500 aircraft. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry’s leading transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products and services, and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground.
– Southwest Airlines Co ($NYSE:LUV)
Southwest Airlines Co is a publicly traded airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas. As of 2022, the company has a market capitalization of 19.65 billion and a return on equity of 10.01%. Southwest is known for its low-fare, no-frills approach to air travel and has been in operation since 1971. The company currently operates a fleet of over 700 aircraft and serves over 100 million passengers annually.
– American Airlines Group Inc ($NASDAQ:AAL)
American Airlines Group Inc is a publicly traded airline holding company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company was formed in 2014 after the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. American Airlines Group operates a global network of airline services, including scheduled passenger and cargo services. The company’s principal business activity is the operation of an airline system.
Summary
United Airlines has made a deal with SpaceX to offer free internet service on flights, causing ViaSat stock to plummet. This partnership could potentially be a game-changer for the airline industry, as it allows passengers to have access to internet throughout their entire flight.
However, this announcement has also had a negative impact on ViaSat stock, as they currently provide internet services for many airlines. This development further highlights the competitive nature of the industry, with companies like ViaSat and Gogo vying for contracts with airlines. It will be interesting to see how this partnership affects the future of in-flight entertainment and connectivity.
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