ATR is introducing Starlink high-speed Internet connectivity on-board its aircraft. Long-standing partner Air New Zealand is poised to be the launch customer, bringing internet to its domestic flights from 2025.
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After successful test flights carried out on ATR’s 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by EASA. Under the agreement, PMV Engineering has developed the necessary modifications for the certification of the Starlink aero-terminal on ATR aircraft, which is now available as a retrofit option on ATR 72-500 and –600 for all ATR operators through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low-Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. By adopting this game-changing technology, ATR operators worldwide will be able to provide their passengers with internet services that reflect their home experience.
In addition to passenger benefits, this system will also allow pilots to connect to aviation weather services, enhancing flight safety through more informed decision-making. Moreover, the compact size of the antenna makes it perfectly suited to the ATR platform in terms of aerodynamics.
With a fully connected cabin that can already integrate USB sockets in all seats, In-Flight Entertainment systems, high-speed internet, and a whole range of high-end cabin solutions (the ATR HighLine collection), ATR expects strong interest from airlines worldwide, including in markets such as Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the United States, where demand for in-flight connectivity is growing rapidly.
