Clay Lacy Aviation has advanced its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities by completing its first five SpaceX Starlink internet installations.
The installations, carried out by expert technicians at Clay Lacy’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) and Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) FAA Part 145 Repair Stations, were performed on three Gulfstream G550s, a G650ER, and a Bombardier Global 6000.
This development follows Clay Lacy’s recent authorization as a dealer and installer for Starlink, a satellite-based internet solution that supports inflight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming, and virtual private networks. The initial installations, averaging three weeks each, were paired with additional inspections and upgrades to optimize aircraft downtime.
“There has been high demand for this transformative, connectivity technology,” stated Edward Diaz, Avionics Operations & Sales Manager for Clay Lacy Aviation, in a statement on Tuesday. “Our team is moving quickly to provide low-downtime, expertly completed installations so that owners and operators can get the most out of their aircraft. Starlink will enhance operations for crew members, as well as provide a better flight experience for travelers.”
Clay Lacy Aviation is also performing supplemental type certificate (STC) installations on the Gulfstream G450 and GV, the Bombardier Global 6500/7500, Express, and XRS. More models are expected to come online throughout the year, including the Challenger 300/350, Global 5000, Gulfstream GIV, Embraer Legacy 600/650, Praetor, and Phenom 300, among others.
The next Starlink launch will take place on Wednesday.
Targeting Wednesday, July 10 for a Falcon 9 launch of 20 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from California, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities → https://t.co/kZITidvttC
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 9, 2024
With over 6,000 satellites in orbit, SpaceX’s Starlink constellation offers global coverage, including land, oceans, and polar regions, in over 100 countries, territories or other markets around the world.
