NetJets selects Starlink to equip 600 jets with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity 

NetJets will begin installing Starlink high-speed internet across its fleet as early as this month, marking one of the largest single adoptions of low-Earth-orbit data connectivity in business aviation.   The agreement will bring Starlink to roughly 600 NetJets aircraft in the United States and Europe by the end of 2026, covering many of the company’s most frequently flown models, including Cessna Citation Latitudes and Longitudes, Embraer Praetor 500s, Bombardier Challenger 350s and 650s, and the entire Global fleet. 

NetJets President Patrick Gallagher said the deal positions the company to continue delivering the level of service and amenities its customers expect.  “This agreement with Starlink positions NetJets to continue delivering exceptional travel experiences for our owners and their guests,” Gallagher said. “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.” Starlink will allow passengers to work, place video and voice calls, stream video, and stay connected in the air the same way they do on the ground. SpaceX says the system can support speeds up to 500 Mbps with consistent performance across global routes thanks to a constellation of more than 8,000 satellites in orbit. 

Starlink adoption grows

The announcement comes as Starlink continues to gain traction across aviation. Airlines, aircraft operators, and corporate flight departments have turned to LEO connectivity because it finally delivers what older systems promised but never quite achieved: dependable coverage, low delay, and enough bandwidth for real work and real entertainment.   Early adopters in business aviation helped demonstrate the technology’s potential, and certification progress over the last two years has opened the door to a much wider range of aircraft. Commercial airlines have also accelerated their plans. Major carriers on several continents have already announced fleet-wide conversions. Emirates intends to install Starlink across its 232-strong widebody fleet by 2027. Korean Air and the other carriers in its parent group have committed to the service as well, with installations planned for long-haul Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and others have also begun rolling out Starlink to passengers. By late 2025, more than 20 airlines had signed agreements with SpaceX.The broader message is that in-flight connectivity has shifted from a convenience to something essential. Passengers now expect uninterrupted service that lets them stay productive, and operators view reliable internet access as part of the core travel experience. Starlink’s growing list of customers reflects that shift. The technology has changed the conversation from “whether” to install high-speed Wi-Fi to “when.” 

Legacy providers slip

Many airlines and business jet operators still rely on a mix of service and hardware choices from well-established connectivity providers. Viasat and Inmarsat remain the two largest legacy satellite players, offering Ka- and Ku-band systems with broad global coverage and long experience certifying hardware across dozens of airframes. Their services power Wi-Fi on major international carriers and have served as the default option for long-haul jets for more than a decade.   In business aviation, operators have also leaned on Gogo’s air-to-ground and satellite hybrids, which offer solid performance on domestic routes and lower installation costs for smaller cabins. Panasonic, Thales, and Anuvu continue to support large fleets as well, often bundling connectivity with entertainment systems and airline service contracts.Even with these established options, Starlink has quickly become the de facto choice for new installations. The shift comes down to a simple equation: performance and price. Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit network delivers the kind of real-world speeds and low delay operators have been asking for since in-flight Wi-Fi became a selling point. Passengers can stream, join video calls, and work in the cloud without the lag that defines traditional geostationary systems.   Operators also cite installation speed, predictable monthly pricing, and SpaceX’s ability to scale its network as reasons for switching. As certification expands across more aircraft types, the market has reached a tipping point, with many operators now viewing Starlink as the first connectivity solution that meets passenger expectations without the high cost or limitations of older systems. The post NetJets selects Starlink to equip 600 jets with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity  appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source