How did Gulfstream reach this milestone?

Gulfstream Aerospace has reached a major milestone with the 100th installation of Starlink satellite internet across its fleet, marking a turning point in inflight connectivity for private aviation. The landmark installation was completed on a G650ER at Gulfstream’s Fort Worth, Texas facility, underlining the manufacturer’s growing commitment to offering high-speed, low-latency broadband to its clientele.

Starlink, powered by SpaceX’s satellite constellation, provides passengers with internet speeds comparable to those on the ground, enabling seamless video calls, streaming, and data-heavy operations even on transoceanic routes. Gulfstream confirmed that demand has been strong across its large-cabin fleet, including the G500, G600, G650, G650ER, G700, and G800 models, and expects adoption to accelerate as more owners prioritize connectivity as a key differentiator in their travel experience.

The installations are carried out both on new aircraft and retrofits, giving existing Gulfstream operators the opportunity to upgrade their jets with the latest connectivity technology. Importantly, the company has already received the necessary FAA approvals—supplemental type certifications (STCs)—to certify Starlink on multiple aircraft types: the G650/G650ER to begin with, then expanded to the G800, G700, G600, G500, G550, and GV models. Starlink’s inflight connectivity delivers latency of less than 90 milliseconds and download speeds typically ranging from 100 to 250 Mbps, transforming the onboard experience.

Broader Adoption of Starlink in Business Aviation

Beyond Gulfstream, other manufacturers and OEMs are advancing quickly with Starlink certifications and installations:

• Embraer has completed its first Starlink installation on the Praetor 500 and Legacy 450 business jets, with additional models such as the Praetor 600 and Legacy 500 expected to follow.

• Bombardier is offering certified retrofit kits for models like the Global Express/XRS, Global 6000, 6500, and 7500, and has announced integration on the Global 8000.

• Dassault Aviation is preparing Starlink options across the Falcon family, ensuring its long-range jets can offer uninterrupted global connectivity.

• Textron Aviation is beginning integration on Citation jets, highlighting growing demand for reliable high-speed internet even in midsize and super-midsize categories.

This broad industry movement confirms that Starlink is quickly becoming the new standard in inflight connectivity, reshaping passenger expectations for global, always-on coverage.

Linkinjet’s Perspective on the Starlink Trend

At Linkinjet, we view the rapid adoption of Starlink as more than just a technical enhancement—it represents a fundamental shift in client expectations. Today’s private jet passengers no longer see connectivity as optional; they expect to work, communicate, and stream without interruption, even at 40,000 feet.

We believe this trend will increasingly influence aircraft selection. Range, comfort, and performance remain essential, but seamless internet access is now a decisive factor for many clients, particularly those who fly transoceanic routes. The availability of both retrofit options and factory installations means connectivity will also play a growing role in the residual value of aircraft.

For us at Linkinjet, the key takeaway is clear: connectivity is no longer a luxury—it is a baseline expectation. By staying at the forefront of these technological shifts, we ensure that our clients charter aircraft that combine performance, comfort, and next-generation connectivity.