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Technology

Starlink's in-flight connectivity reaches milestone with 500 aircraft equipped

11:50

Starlink has marked a significant achievement in its aviation connectivity service, now equipping over 500 aircraft worldwide with high-speed internet capabilities. The satellite communications provider is set to expand its reach substantially, with contracts in place to connect approximately 2,500 aircraft, including major carriers like United Airlines and Air France.

The company's aviation terminals have already supported more than 55,000 flights, accumulating over 110,000 flight hours. The service delivers impressive performance metrics, with download speeds ranging from 40 to 220 Mbps, upload speeds of 8 to 12 Mbps, and latency under 99 milliseconds.

Starlink's competitive edge stems from its extensive network of low Earth orbit satellites, which enables superior connectivity performance compared to traditional satellite internet providers. The company currently manages two-thirds of active satellites in orbit, having launched more than 7,000 satellites to date. This figure represents significant progress toward their ambitious target of 42,000 satellites.

The aviation service expansion comes amid broader growth for Starlink, which continues to increase its residential subscriber base while developing its Direct-to-cell service for mobile coverage in remote areas. Financial estimates suggest the company generated over $7 billion in revenue during 2024, highlighting the commercial success of their satellite communications strategy.

The service's rapid adoption by airlines demonstrates the growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet connectivity in commercial aviation, as carriers seek to enhance their passenger experience with improved in-flight connectivity solutions.

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