Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The number of avionics shops signing up as dealers for SpaceX Starlink satcom installations is rapidly growing—as is the number of aircraft equipped with Starlink systems. A Bombardier Global XRS operated by Skystream Jet was the first charter jet to offer Starlink connectivity to its passengers, according to the company.
Supplemental type certificates (STCs) developed by Nextant Aerospace are available for the Global XRS and 6000 and Gulfstream GV, G450, G550, and G650. Other models are expected to receive approval by the end of the year, including the rest of the Global family, Challenger 300/350, GIV, and Embraer and Dassault Falcon models. A King Air 200/300 STC is available from AeroMech.
Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite network provides download speeds of more than 200 Mbps and uploads of 25-plus Mbps. The system weighs about 48 pounds and includes an electronically steered antenna mounted on top of the fuselage, a Starlink router, and a power supply. Retail price is $150,000, and two plans are available: global 20 GB for $2,000 per month (plus $100/GB additional) and global unlimited for $10,000 per month.
Recent additions to the Starlink dealer family include Elevate Aviation Group’s Elevate MRO division, based in Salt Lake City, and Dallas Love Field-based Business Jet. West Star Aviation said it has completed several Starlink installations and has “many more already scheduled.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

SpaceX Starlink Aviation Dealer Numbers Expanding Rapidly

Business jet owners are showing strong interest in Starlink systems

Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite network provides download speeds of more than 200 Mbps and uploads of 25-plus Mbps. 

Starlink Aviation Dealer Numbers Expanding Rapidly

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company offers customized cabins for large VVIP aircraft

Greenpoint Highlights Oasis and AeroSuite Interiors

Charles Alcock

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

The specialist engineering group is expanding its portfolio for business and VIP aircraft

AMAC Offers Starlink Comms and Missile Defense Systems

Jet Aviation also now offers Jet Card charter program in the EMEA region

Jet Aviation and Creston Team For IFE and Cabin Management

Peter Shaw-Smith

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

SpaceX

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Greenpoint Highlights Oasis and AeroSuite Interiors

Company offers customized cabins for large VVIP aircraft

AMAC Offers Starlink Comms and Missile Defense Systems

The specialist engineering group is expanding its portfolio for business and VIP aircraft

Jet Aviation and Creston Team For IFE and Cabin Management

Jet Aviation also now offers Jet Card charter program in the EMEA region

Middle East Is Hallowed Ground for Lufthansa Technik’s VIP Unit

Widebody aircraft predominate in the region

Satcom Direct Buy Boosts Gogo into Orbit

Move opens new markets for airborne connectivity offerings

Gulfstream G800 Makes First Flight for Cabin Testing

Test aircraft reaches 46,000 feet

Innovation, Acquisitions Abound in Connectivity Market

Bizav users have more choices, although consolidation is taking place

Nextant Gains Starlink Approval for Global 5000/5500

STC expands the number of aircraft types approved for the high-speed satcom system

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