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

NetJets has selected SpaceX’s Starlink satcom system for installation on about 600 business jets in its fleet. Installations are expected to be completed by the end of next year. &nbsp;According to industry sources, Starlink installation costs, including hardware, start at about $300,000 per airplane, so the NetJets investment could represent nearly $200 million at retail prices.
Starlink installations will be done on NetJets’ Cessna Citation Latitudes and Longitudes, Embraer Praetor 500s, and Bombardier Challenger 350s and 650s and Globals in the U.S., as well as its Challenger 650s and Globals based in Europe.&nbsp;The Starlink electronically steered antenna is mounted on top of the airplane’s fuselage, and the installation includes a power supply and wireless access points.
“This agreement with Starlink positions NetJets to continue delivering exceptional travel experiences for our owners and their guests,” said NetJets Aviation president Patrick Gallagher. “With Starlink, travel is elevated with reliable connectivity, whether our owners are flying for business or leisure—as seamless connectivity is critical to the experience our owners need and deserve.”
More than 8,000 Starlink satellites in low-earth orbit deliver global high-speed and low-latency broadband airborne connectivity from the ground to all altitudes. Starlink’s published speeds range from 135 to 310 Mbps for downloading and 20 to 44 Mbps for uploading. Unlimited data plans are priced at $10,000 per month.

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.

NetJets Installing SpaceX’s Starlink Satcom on 600 Business Jets

Systems will be installed by the end of 2026

NetJets selected SpaceX’s Starlink satcom system for installation on about 600 business jets in its fleet, including Cessna Citation Latitudes and Longitudes.

NetJets Installing Starlink on Midsize/Large Bizjet Fleet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Dubai-based MRO group is approved to install Gogo Galileo and Plane Simple equipment

Gogo Appoints Falcon Technic As Middle East Satcom Dealer

System offers lower-cost airborne connectivity services

Duncan Aviation Offering Airtext Satcom Installs

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23M Award

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 and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Birmingham-based operator has acquired Alto Aerospace's AOC

UK Start-up Above Launches Phenom Charter Services

Amy Wilder

Delaware facility to install advanced cabin, auxilliary fuel systems

Aloft Secures Second Max 8 Interior Project This Year

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Deal expands market for satcom equipment and services in France and Middle East 

Gogo SD Government Signs Eclipse as Authorized Reseller

Luxury features will be unveiled in an interior design next year

Elie Saab Designing Cabin for Bombardier Global 8000

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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