United partners with Spotify for in-flight entertainment upgrade

CHICAGO and NEW YORK - United Airlines (UAL), a prominent player in the passenger airlines industry with a market capitalization of $26.66 billion and a GREAT financial health score according to InvestingPro, has teamed up with Spotify to offer passengers a new in-flight entertainment experience featuring a selection of Spotify’s video and audio podcasts, audiobooks, and music playlists. This content is now accessible for free on over 680 United aircraft equipped with the latest 4K, Bluetooth-enabled seatback screens.

The collaboration marks the first time Spotify has provided audiobooks and video podcasts on an airline, with over 65 pieces of content including titles such as "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Dave Chang Show," and "The Comment Section with Drew Afualo." Starting in 2026, United travelers will also have the option to log into the Spotify app on the inflight entertainment screen with their personal devices, allowing them to continue enjoying their preferred content seamlessly during their flights. The airline’s strong operational performance, with $57.74 billion in revenue and a healthy profit margin, positions it well for such innovative partnerships.

Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the ease of access to Spotify’s popular content at 35,000 feet. Ian Geller, VP of Business Development at Spotify, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to expanding creators’ reach and engaging different audiences.

United’s seatback screens will feature a new content category labeled "Spotify," which will include channels for ’Podcasts,’ ’Video Podcasts,’ ’Audiobooks,’ and ’Playlists.’ In the near future, a dedicated ’Spotify’ channel will be added to most aircraft for streamlined access to all Spotify offerings.

Additionally, on Starlink-equipped planes, passengers can use their personal devices to stream Spotify content from gate-to-gate without interruption, provided they log in to their MileagePlus account and agree to the terms for using Starlink.

United and Spotify are also incentivizing MileagePlus members who are new to Spotify Premium with the opportunity to earn up to 1,000 bonus miles for signing up. The promotion is part of a broader collaboration with Kinective Media by United Airlines, aimed at integrating the offer throughout the customer’s travel experience.

The announcement of this partnership comes as United continues to operate an extensive global route network and as Spotify maintains its position as a leading audio streaming subscription service with a vast selection of tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks. United’s impressive financial performance, including a 54% return over the past year and net income of $3.66 billion, reflects its strong market position. For detailed analysis and additional insights, including 8 more exclusive ProTips, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.

This new in-flight entertainment option is based on a press release statement and is part of United’s ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience for its passengers.

In other recent news, United Airlines has announced a tentative agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, promising industry-leading wages and improved working conditions for its 28,000 flight attendants. This agreement, pending ratification, could set a new standard for flight attendant compensation over the next five years. Additionally, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways have unveiled a collaborative consumer plan named "Blue Sky," which will allow travelers to book flights on either airline’s website and use frequent flyer points interchangeably. This collaboration, awaiting regulatory approval, includes JetBlue granting United access to slots at JFK Airport, with some elements expected to be implemented this fall. Meanwhile, United Airlines is preparing for a busy summer travel season, with high demand anticipated for flights to Japan and southern Europe, although ticket prices are expected to be slightly lower than initially forecast. In another development, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty clarified that their recent partnership with United Airlines is not indicative of a future merger. The partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for customers, while both airlines maintain their independence. Finally, Newark Liberty International Airport is set to increase its number of flights following the early reopening of a runway, which is expected to improve operational efficiency after recent disruptions.

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