Photo: SpaceX
Charter flight operator JSX announced that it has completed the installation of the SpaceX Starlink inflight connectivity system on its fleet of 40 Embraer regional jets, according to Aviation Week.
The Dallas-based operator, regulated under Part 135 (non-scheduled air charter carrier), is offering the Starlink service without charge, providing passengers with the ability to stream data and engage in live video sessions during their flights.
Back in March, Starlink internet was tested during a JSX flight by The Points Guy who rated the service as “blazing-fast.” Utilizing five Apple devices, including two MacBooks, two iPhones, and an iPad, Griff continually ran a streaming service on each device to evaluate the carrier’s included Starlink Wi-Fi. He reported a seamless connection process, simply requiring the selection of the Wi-Fi network without the need for landing pages or sign-ins.
Further tests by Griff, including four simultaneous speed tests using speedtest.net, showed each device reaching download speeds of over 100 Mbps. He commended the low level of ping, between 28 and 150 milliseconds across the various devices, describing it as “incredible” for in-flight Wi-Fi. He also tested the service during a Zoom meeting with a colleague, reporting that both the audio and video functioned flawlessly.
In December 2022, following JSX’s announcement of its intention to use Starlink internet for in-flight Wi-Fi, the flight carrier officially launched the service.
Elon Musk had previously stated that in-flight Wi-Fi speeds could reach 300 Mbps, and that the service would be available at no additional cost in the upcoming weeks at the time.
Starlink internet was slated to be available on 70 of JSX’s 30-seat Embraer jets, with approval for use on up to 100 of its aircraft. But now we know at least 40 Embraer regional jets now have Starlink installed.
