Starlink Soars Above Rivals in Business Aviation Connectivity Race

Starlink Soars Above Rivals in Business Aviation Connectivity Race

As the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) kicks off in Geneva, one notable absence is Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX. However, the company's presence looms large over its competitors in the inflight connectivity market for business aviationStarlink has emerged as the go-to choice for U.S. operators of long-range, large-cabin business jets and King Air turboprops. The company's rapid deployment of over 6,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites and its development of electronically steered phased array antennas have given it a significant advantage over traditional connectivity providersCompeting firms like Gogo Business Aviation, Satcom Direct, and Viasat are scrambling to catch up, developing their own electronically steered antennas to replace bulkier mechanical systems Gogo and Hughes Network Systems are preparing FDX and JUPITER systems to rival Starlink's offeringsMeanwhile, Starlink-authorized installers are equipping a growing number of Bombardier and Gulfstream jets with the company's low-profile, lightweight Aero Terminal antennas Supplemental type certificates (STCs) are also in development for Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, and Pilatus modelsAeroMech/AMI, an installer based in Everett, Washington, has developed STCs to install Starlink systems on Beechcraft King Air 200 and 300 series turboprops. The company reports that Starlink is now a standard offering in their avionics upgrade quotes, with daily inquiries from customersEarly reviews of Starlink's high-speed, low-latency, Ku-band satellite internet service have been positive, further solidifying the company's position in the market. However, other providers are not giving up without a fight, with Satcom Direct President Chris Moore emphasizing the company's ability to support mixed aircraft fleets with a diverse portfolio of connectivity solutionsAs the business aviation industry gathers in Geneva, the shadow cast by Starlink serves as a stark reminder of the disruptive force it has become in the inflight connectivity market. The race is on for traditional providers to adapt and innovate in order to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology and customer demands.