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The Starlink antenna is housed in a small housing immediately aft of the wing, atop the fuselage.
ATR has received EASA certification for the Starlink internet connectivity system on its ATR 72-500 and -600 aircraft, enabling passengers to access high-speed Wi-Fi on personal devices.
ATR said Jan. 21 that it had received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the system following a series of test flights over recent months. The launch customer will be Air New Zealand, which plans to introduce the system on domestic flights later in 2025.
French aircraft modification specialist PMV Engineering, which is an EASA-approved Design Organization, has developed the necessary modifications for the certification of the Starlink aeroterminal on ATR aircraft, which is now available as a retrofit option.
SpaceX’s Starlink claims to being the world’s largest satellite constellation placed in a low-Earth orbit (LEO) to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, video calls, and other services.
“Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience in the regional market,” ATR SVP engineering Daniel Cuchet said.
“We’re always looking at how new and innovative technology can deliver improved customer experiences and with the world’s largest satellite constellation, exploring in-motion connectivity on our aircraft with Starlink was a no brainer,” Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said. “Whether traveling for work or leisure, we know maintaining seamless internet connectivity is something that will transform the travel experience for customers.”
In addition to passenger benefits, the new system will allow pilots to connect to aviation weather services, with the aim of enhancing flight safety through more informed decision-making.
The system connects to Starlink’s LEO satellites via an antenna inside a Starlink-provided aeroterminal, a small, raised housing on the top of the fuselage immediately aft of the wing.
ATR now intends to start work on a similar installation on the smaller ATR 42. Like the first installation, it will be available only as a retrofit, rather than being a line-fit item.
ATR expects strong interest from airlines worldwide, including in markets such as Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the U.S., where demand for inflight connectivity is growing rapidly.
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