airBaltic tests SpaceX’s Starlink Internet connectivity onboard A220-300
airBaltic recently conducted an initial test of SpaceX’s Starlink internet connectivity system onboard its A220-300 aircraft. The ground test was conducted at the airline’s home base in Riga, and the inflight connectivity system was tested with a full cabin comprising airBaltic and SpaceX’s Starlink employees.
Excited about the test, Martin Gauss, president and chief executive of airBaltic says that we are offering high-speed, unlimited, and complimentary inflight connectivity onboard our flights. “This first test brings good insights and moves us closer to enhancing our service for passengers travelling within the airBaltic network in Europe and beyond,” adds Gauss.
“As Starlink continues to activate high-speed, low-latency internet on aircraft around the world, we are excited to bring this next-generation experience to Europe with airBaltic’s A220 fleet,” comments Jason Fritch, vice president, Starlink Enterprises.
airBaltic is working with SpaceX on achieving the required STC (supplemental type certification) approval and is expected to begin installing the product on the airBaltic Airbus A220-300 fleet by the end of this year.
With plans to equip its entire A220-300 fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink inflight connectivity system, airBaltic aims to provide every passenger with seamless, high-speed internet access throughout their journey without hassles or login pages. From boarding to landing, internet access will be available to all passengers.
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in over 90 countries and territories around the world and began serving commercial aircraft last year with in-flight high-speed internet
“As we operate one of the most modern aircraft types on the market, it was the next logical step for airBaltic to introduce the cutting-edge Starlink inflight internet solution onboard this fleet,” Gauss further adds.
