airBaltic has conducted an initial test of SpaceX’s Starlink internet connectivity system onboard its Airbus 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.
“We are excited to lead the way in Europe by offering high-speed, unlimited, and complimentary inflight connectivity onboard our flights,” said Martin Gauss, President and CEO, airBaltic. “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. We are grateful to our partners at SpaceX’s Starlink for their unwavering support throughout this transformative journey. Their shared ambition and dedication perfectly complement airBaltic’s values. 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.”
airBaltic is working with SpaceX on achieving the required STC (supplemental type certification) approval and is expected to begin installing the product on its 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.
“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,” said Jason Fritch, VP of Starlink Enterprise Sales.
