New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- Elon Musk has backed United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's assessment that Starlink's in-flight internet service is helping the airline attract passengers from rival carriers. Musk reacted to Kirby's remarks in a CNBC interview, writing on X, "Starlink moves the needle".

Kirby, on Wednesday, October 21, said United was already seeing customers switch from other airlines because of its Starlink-powered Wi-Fi, as the carrier accelerates the rollout of the satellite internet service across its fleet.

"We're going to cross the 50% threshold this week with 50% of flights on Starlink. By the end of next year we'll finish Starlink. We already see customers moving from other airlines today," Kirby told CNBC.

The exchange high...