airBaltic has conducted a certification test flight of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet onboard its Airbus 220-300.
During the flight, which departed from the airline’s home base in Riga, tests were carried out on the Starlink aero terminal and its internet connection quality.
A ground test was initially conducted for Space X’s inflight connectivity system last year.
airBaltic is currently seeking to obtain a a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The airline expects to begin installation on its single-type fleet of Airbus A220-300s in Q1 2025.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said: “This is a game-changer in the future of air travel and the test flight brings us one step closer to revolutionising the travel experience for our passengers. We are thrilled to lead the way in Europe and be the first airline in this region to offer for Starlink’s reliable, high-speed internet for free.
“We are grateful to work with the Starlink team during this transformative journey. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using low-Earth orbit that will provide airBaltic passengers the fastest inflight internet.”
