Latvian flag carrier, airBaltic, has completed its certification test flight of Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink high-speed internet aboard its Airbus A220-300. The flight tested the Starlink aero terminal and internet connection quality. The flight will now be able to obtain the necessary supplemental type (STC) certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to allow it to be installed fleet-wide.
AirBaltic plans for Starlink
AirBaltic is aiming to become the first European airline to introduce Starling’s onboard WIFI service. The Latvian airline is currently collaborating with Starlink to obtain the required supplemental certification (STC), awaiting approval from the EASA. After its approval, the airline plans to start installing Starlink on its fleet of Airbus A220-300s in the first quarter of 2025.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, has commented on this development, stating that
“This is a game-changer in the future of air travel, and the test flight brings us one step closer to revolutionizing the travel experience for our passengers. By integrating Starlink, we are set to elevate the travel experience for passengers across the airBaltic network throughout Europe and beyond.”
Starlink Wi-Fi. What is it?
Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a 2002-founded aerospace company, engineers and operates Starlink. It uses 6,000 advanced satellites, positioned in low earth orbit, which deliver high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide. This allows Starlink to deliver up to 500 Mbps with a low-latency connection.
It is now also providing Wi-Fi on aircrafts, meeting the growing demand for constant connectivity among passengers. Starlink Wi-Fi is a game changer for travellers who will have access to high-speed service. Enabling full in-flight connectivity with access to streaming, video calls, and virtual private networks (VPNs)
What airlines are using Starlink?
Many airlines have already equipped Starlink Wi-Fi on aircrafts or are planning to in the upcoming year. Some of the most notable examples are United Airlines and Qatar Airways.
United Airlines has announced plans to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi. It is aiming to begin testing in February 2025 and launch the service on Embraer E-175 aircraft by spring 2025.
Qatar Airways became the first airline to offer Starlink Wi-Fi on a Boeing 777 in October 2024. It is now providing passengers with free, high-speed internet. The airline plans to equip its entire 777 fleet with Starlink within a year.
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