Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on its G650 and G650ER jets.
This certification allows Gulfstream to offer the internet upgrade directly to customers, simplifying the process. The company was testing Starlink earlier this year.
“Starlink is an offering that we know is important to operators,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support, in a statement. “Our team has invested extensive time and resources preparing for this certification, and we are well-positioned across our service network to provide a seamless installation. Having the capability to install this connectivity upgrade at our own facilities, in the hands of our trusted team of experts, is part of our ongoing commitment to our customers.”
Starlink’s in-flight internet provides passengers with features like video calls, cloud access, and fast data transfers, with download speeds between 40-220 Mbps and low latency under 99 milliseconds.
Gulfstream is also working to get FAA approval for the same upgrade on other models, including the G800, G700, G600, and more.
Early on Wednesday, October 30, at 5:07 a.m. PT, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 20 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The mission, departing from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, included 13 satellites equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities, a feature aimed at enhancing satellite-based cellular coverage.
Later today, 23 Starlink satellites are set to launch into low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 5:10 p.m. ET today, part of a back-to-back launch day for SpaceX.
