Scheduled charter operator Aero now provides fast, free Wi-Fi to all its passengers. The company announced activation of the Starlink inflight internet service on its Embraer E135 aircraft this week.
Aero flies the E135 in a 16-seat configuration and from private terminals at its destinations, similar to the low density, semi-private experience of JSX. And like JSX, it was able to fit the Starlink hardware on its jets for passenger connectivity.
Aero currently operates a fleet of four jets, with a limited route network focused on service from Van Nuys, CA and Dallas, TX to sun and ski destinations. The company notes its operations are seasonal, so the route network will shift for spring and summer.
To date, Starlink’s active installations have focused on the Embraer 135/145 family (JSX) and Gulfstream’s newer business jets (Trans-Exec, FlexJet). The company also announced agreements to install its systems for Hawaiian Airlines, ZIPAIR, and AirBaltic. Another recent announcement indicated plans for Starlink to fly with Qatar Airways, though those remain spectacularly vague compared to the others. Timing for the commercial aircraft installs beyond the E135/145 family is in flux, with Hawaiian expected first, but also delayed until (at least) 2024.
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scot3818 says
Wow. They got their aero antenna made in record time. Tech various companies have been working on for decades. It’ll be interesting to see this on a mainline airline.
Seth Miller says
Same terminal as in use on JSX, and that one was slower to take flight than initially promised. But they did get it into service. And the G650 is coming along later this year as well.
Still, lots of questions about why it is taking so long to get certified for mainline (HA’s A321neo is supposed to be next, I believe). But I’m sure it’ll happen eventually.