ATR, a renowned manufacturer of regional planes, is revolutionizing the in-flight experience by introducing high-speed internet connectivity to its ATR 72 aircraft in collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink. This development comes on the heels of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granting approval for the system following successful testing.
Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice President of Engineering at ATR, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience. This achievement demonstrates our dedication to staying ahead of the curve and responding to the latest travel trends.”
Air New Zealand is set to be the first airline to offer this cutting-edge feature, with implementation scheduled to begin in 2025 on domestic flights. Passengers can look forward to enjoying fast internet connectivity for streaming, gaming, video calls, and more during their travels.
Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience through innovative technology, stating, “We’re always looking at how new and innovative technology can deliver improved customer experiences. Exploring in-motion connectivity on our aircraft with Starlink was a no-brainer. Maintaining seamless internet connectivity will transform the travel experience for customers.”
Starlink utilizes satellites in low-Earth orbit to deliver a stable and high-speed connection, marking a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity. In addition to enhancing passenger experience, the system will also provide pilots with improved access to real-time weather updates, ultimately enhancing flight safety.
Eric Sperazza, CEO of PMV Engineering, lauded the collaboration, stating, “We’re honored to be the providers of such a revolutionary technology onboard ATR aircraft. Our expertise has been instrumental in opening up new opportunities for ATR, its customers, and their passengers.”
Airlines operating ATR 72-500 and 72-600 models can opt to upgrade their aircraft with the Starlink hardware, offering passengers high-speed internet connectivity for streaming, gaming, and more.
To witness the Starlink hardware installation and testing in action, watch the video demonstration below: