Embraer Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink for High-Speed Wi-Fi on Business Jets
Embraer, the third largest producer of civil aircraft worldwide, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. The Brazilian planemaker will offer Starlink as an after-sales upgrade for its Praetor 600, Praetor 500, Legacy 500, and Legacy 450 business jets.
The high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi solution will be provided through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed in collaboration with Nextant Aerospace, the engineering arm of Flexjet. The Praetor 500 and Legacy 450 have already received FAA approval for installation, with certification for the Praetor 600 and Legacy 500 expected in the third quarter of 2025. Brazil’s ANAC is targeting certification in Q4, while EASA approval is anticipated in early 2026.
Marsha Woelber, VP of Customer Support and Aftermarket Sales for Executive Jets at Embraer, expressed excitement about bringing Starlink’s cutting-edge internet technology to customers. She emphasized that this partnership strengthens Embraer’s commitment to providing seamless, connected flight experiences globally.
Starlink’s constellation of low Earth orbit satellites enables high-speed internet connectivity in remote areas and over oceans. This integration with Embraer jets will allow operators of Praetor and Legacy aircraft to equip their planes with Starlink Wi-Fi directly from the manufacturer, ensuring seamless integration and support.
This partnership is a significant milestone for Starlink, which has already established itself as a leading in-flight connectivity solution for the business aviation fleet. JSX, a charter carrier, outfitted its entire fleet of Embraer regional jets with Starlink in 2023, while United Airlines recently received approval to install Starlink Wi-Fi on its Embraer 175 regional aircraft.
Jay Heublein, President of Technical Services at Flexjet, emphasized the technological advancements of the Praetor jets and the seamless connectivity experience that Starlink will provide to passengers. Despite encountering temporary issues on United Express E175 jets, Starlink remains a preeminent choice for in-flight connectivity.
In conclusion, the partnership between Embraer and Starlink represents a significant leap forward in providing high-speed internet connectivity to business jet passengers. With Starlink’s innovative technology now available on Embraer aircraft, passengers can enjoy seamless connectivity experiences during their flights.