EASA Certifies Starlink Internet for ATR Regional Aircraft

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified SpaceX's Starlink system for ATR 72 turboprops, marking a historic leap in regional air travel connectivity.

This milestone enables ATR operators globally to retrofit their aircraft with high-speed, low-latency internet, transforming passenger experiences and operational efficiency.

Air New Zealand, the launch customer, will debut the service on domestic routes in 2025, leveraging Starlink's LEO satellite network to rival home broadband speeds.

Key Points

• First Certification for Turboprops: Starlink's approval for ATR 72-500/600 models is unprecedented in short-haul aviation.
• Retrofit via STC: PMV Engineering's Supplemental Type Certificate enables seamless integration of Starlink aeroterminals without aerodynamic penalties.
• Passenger & Pilot Benefits: Streaming, gaming, and video calls for passengers; real-time weather data for pilots.
• Global Market Demand: Strong interest anticipated in Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the U.S.
• Strategic Shift: ATR positions itself as a leader in modernizing regional travel with premium connectivity.

Revolutionizing Regional Connectivity with Starlink Technology

The certification of Starlink on ATR aircraft bridges a critical gap in regional aviation, where in-flight internet was historically limited to larger jets.

SpaceX's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites deliver latency as low as 20ms and speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, enabling activities like video conferencing and live streaming—previously unthinkable on turboprops.

The compact, aerodynamic antenna design minimizes drag, ensuring no compromise on fuel efficiency, a key selling point for cost-conscious regional operators.

Air New Zealand's Pioneering Role in In-Flight Innovation

As the launch customer, Air New Zealand will integrate Starlink into its ATR fleet for domestic routes, aligning with its reputation for adopting cutting-edge technology.

Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar emphasized that seamless connectivity is a "transformative" step for both business and leisure travelers, reflecting the airline's commitment to customer-centric innovation.

This partnership also highlights the growing trend of airlines leveraging connectivity to differentiate services in competitive markets.

Operational and Safety Enhancements for ATR Fleets

Beyond passenger perks, Starlink's dual-use capability empowers pilots with real-time access to aviation weather services, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

This feature addresses a critical safety need, particularly in regions prone to sudden weather shifts, while reducing reliance on ground-based systems.

PMV Engineering's STC ensures the system integrates smoothly with existing ATR avionics, avoiding complex overhauls.

Market Expansion and Future Prospects for ATR Operators

ATR anticipates surging demand from airlines in connectivity-hungry markets like Japan and the U.S., where passengers increasingly prioritize digital accessibility.

The retrofit option allows operators to upgrade existing fleets cost-effectively, democratizing premium services traditionally reserved for larger carriers.

Future plans include expanding Starlink to the smaller ATR 42 model, further solidifying ATR's leadership in regional aviation innovation.