Latvian airline airBaltic has conducted an initial test of SpaceX’s Starlink internet connectivity system onboard.
The ground test on an Airbus A220-300 aircraft was conducted at the airline’s home base in Riga. Space X’s inflight connectivity system was tested with a full cabin of airBaltic and SpaceX’s Starlink employees.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said: “We are excited to lead the way in Europe by 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.”
airBaltic is working with SpaceX on achieving the required STC (Supplemental Type Certification) approval and is expected to begin installing the product on the entire airBaltic Airbus A220-300 fleet by the end of this year.
The move will provide high-speed internet access throughout the journey from boarding to landing for all passengers.
Starlink can deliver up to 500 Mbps to aircraft, meaning passengers can engage in online gaming, virtual private networks and other high data rate activities.
