In a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing the in-flight experience for business aviation customers, Textron Aviation has announced the availability of Starlink high-speed internet connectivity for the Cessna Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+ aircraft.
This advancement follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), marking a key milestone in expanding satellite-based connectivity in the midsize business jet segment.
Next-Gen connectivity for a premium cabin experience
The newly certified installation utilizes Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, which offers low-latency, high-speed broadband internet even over traditionally underserved regions, such as transoceanic routes, remote airspaces, and mountainous terrain. This makes the solution especially attractive for business aviation passengers who demand reliable, streaming-quality connectivity for real-time communications, VPN access, video conferencing, and entertainment regardless of location.
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“We invest in product upgrades based on customer feedback, and they have been asking for the best in-flight connectivity options available in aviation today,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, customer support, Textron Aviation. “Offering Starlink for the Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+ adds another product to the list of what’s possible when you upgrade your aircraft with Textron Aviation.”
STC-Driven simplicity and global availability
The AeroMech-developed STC makes use of the Starlink Aviation Kit, which includes:
- A compact Aero Terminal (antenna)
- A Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Two Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
- System harnessing
- Minimal aircraft power integration requirements
This plug-and-play architecture ensures streamlined installation with minimal aircraft downtime. Textron Aviation confirmed that customers can now schedule installations at North American Textron Aviation Service Centers as well as select international service facilities.
The update further aligns with Textron Aviation’s broader aftermarket strategy, which focuses on upgrading legacy fleets with state-of-the-art capabilities, extending aircraft life cycles while meeting evolving customer demands for digital connectivity.
Setting a new standard for mid-sized Business Jets
The Cessna Citation Sovereign and Sovereign+ have long been favoured by corporate operators and high-net-worth individuals for their range, reliability, and spacious cabin. By adding Starlink connectivity, Textron Aviation is raising the bar in terms of cabin experience ensuring passengers remain as productive in the air as they are on the ground.
This move also underscores the growing trend of LEO satellite integration into business aviation, as the industry pivots toward more resilient and higher-capacity inflight communication systems.
For operators seeking to modernize their Citation jets, this latest offering signals Textron Aviation’s commitment to customer-centric innovation and long-term aircraft value retention.
