About Starlink Aviation. If you’re a flying enthusiast but hate that you can’t use the internet while aboard, Starlink Aviation got you covered.
The service by Starlink is a game-changer as it has improved how passengers access the internet while flying.
It was launched in 2022, and as of the time of writing this article, only one company (Gulfstream) has taken it up.
But it’s already proving to be a brilliant addition to improving the flying experience.
Today, we explore its features and explain why major airlines should consider incorporating it into their aircraft.
What is Starlink Aviation?
A happy internet user on a plane.
It is an internet service that allows aircraft passengers to connect to Starlink’s satellite internet while flying.
The service was launched in 2022 after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed it to begin operations.
Like Starlink Maritime, the aviation internet is a specialty service. Therefore, it is available cheaply and to only a few aircraft.
But given the convenience it provides to plane travelers due to its excellent features, many more will take it up.
Features of Starlink Aviation
A Business Executive uses the internet on a plane.
Here are some of the Standout features of Starlink Aviation.
Speed
A Man browses while flying.
What makes Starlink Aviation special is its download speed of between 40 and 220Mbps per plane. This speed is better than the formerly best aircraft internet speeds of 100 Mbps.
The excellent speed is designed to give passengers a home-like internet use experience when flying. Starlink Aviation’s upload speeds are also superb, between 8 and 25 Mbps. It means passengers can upload files to the web promptly.
Starlink Aviation’s latency is pretty good at below 99ms.
Applicable Airframes
A Private Gulfstream G280 airplane.
Installation of Starlink Aviation is primarily based on airframe approval by the regulatory authorities. Only Gulfstream and Bombardier have approved airframes for the internet service installation.
Gulfstream G650ER and G650 models already have the service, while installation on other Gulfstream models is ongoing. It includes:
- G550 (GV-SP)
- GV
- GIV
- G450 (GIV-X)
Also, installation in the following Bombardier models is expected by the close of 2023:
- Bombardier Global 7500
- Bombardier Global 5500
- Bombardier Global Express
- Bombardier Global 5000
- Bombardier Express XRS
- Bombardier Global 6500
Starlink projects the completion of the issuance of Supplemental type certificates (STCs) to Airbus A321Neo by the end of 2023. For others, like the Airbus A220 and Beechcraft Super King Air 200/300, it will happen in 2024 and beyond.
Installation Method
Aircraft owners can self-install the Starlink Aviation hardware with guidance from Starlink. Even after installation, Starlink’s unwavering support ensures the connectivity is longstanding.
If the plane’s current maintenance team cannot do the installations efficiently, Starlink recommends a qualified installer to handle it. The installations also have limited downtimes, ensuring they are in tandem with plane scheduled maintenance.
Price
Starlink Aviation is quite costly.
Starlink Aviation is a premium service; hence, you can expect it to be pricey like Starlink Maritime. The equipment/kit costs $150,000. Also, the monthly charges are high at $25,000.
All in all, the convenience of the service overshadows the high price plane companies have to pay for it.
Why choose Starlink Aviation?
A Gulfstream plane model with Starlink Aviation.
Here are the top reasons why plane companies should be quick to embrace Starlink Aviation service:
- It has a relatively low latency (for a plane internet service) that can hit lows of up to 20ms. It means passengers can have excellent video streaming and virtual meetings when flying. Thus, it will significantly improve the flying experience.
- Starlink is available globally since it relies on satellites for transmission. Hence, a plane flying anywhere can access the internet with Starlink Aviations.
- The setup has improved technology thanks to a low-profile Aero Terminal that ensures excellent performance and dependability.
Conclusion
Starlink Aviations will be a transformative breakthrough to how plane passengers access the internet during flights.
Once fully rolled out, passengers will access top-speed and low-latency internet comfortably while flying.
Hence, major aircraft manufacturers should quickly take it up and help boost the passengers’ flying experience.