Air New Zealand to Get Starlink Internet on ATR Aircraft

atr starlink airlines

ATR, a major manufacturer of regional planes, is bringing high-speed internet to its ATR 72 aircraft with the help of SpaceX’s Starlink.

This news comes after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved this system after successful tests.

“Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience… This achievement demonstrates our dedication to staying ahead of the curve and responding to the latest travel trends,” said Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice President of Engineering at ATR.

Air New Zealand will be the first airline to offer this feature, starting in 2025 on domestic flights. Passengers will be able to use fast internet for streaming, gaming, video calls, and more.

“We’re always looking at how new and innovative technology can deliver improved customer experiences… exploring in-motion connectivity on our aircraft with Starlink was a no-brainer. Maintaining seamless internet connectivity will transform the travel experience for customers,” said Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand.

Starlink uses satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide a stable, fast connection, that is a game-changer. The system will also give pilots better access to weather updates, improving flight safety.

“We’re honored to be the providers of such a revolutionary technology onboard ATR aircraft. Our expertise has been instrumental in opening up new opportunities for ATR, its customers, and their passengers,” said Eric Sperazza, CEO of PMV Engineering.

Airlines using ATR 72-500 and 72-600 models can add the Starlink hardware as an upgrade. For passengers, they get high-speed internet for streaming, video games and more.

Check out the video demo below of the Starlink hardware install and testing it out in the skies:

YouTube video