Textron Aviation adds Starlink high-speed internet option for Cessna Citation Longitude
Summary Points:
- The FAA issued AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorizing Starlink installation on the aircraft.
- Starlink’s LEO constellation provides global broadband coverage with low latency, even over oceans and remote areas.
- The system uses electronically steered phased-array antennas for seamless satellite tracking and connectivity.
WICHITA, Kan. - Textron Aviation Inc. in Wichita, Kan., announced a new high-speed internet connectivity option for the Cessna Citation Longitude, following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Starlink satellite internet.
AeroMech’s STC enables integration of Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, which provides high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity worldwide, including over oceans and remote regions where conventional in-flight Wi-Fi systems may experience gaps in coverage. Unlike traditional geostationary satellite systems that orbit at roughly 22,000 miles above Earth, Starlink’s LEO constellation operates at altitudes between 340 and 700 miles. The company says that the closer orbit allows for faster data transmission and lower latency, which enables activities such as video calls, cloud access, and real-time data transfer during flight.
System details
The Starlink system uses electronically steered phased-array antennas mounted on the aircraft’s fuselage to automatically track satellites as they move across the sky. This design enables seamless connectivity without the need for mechanical gimbals or repositioning, maintaining a stable broadband link throughout all flight phases.
"With Starlink now available as an aftermarket option for Longitude customers, they can enjoy high-speed, reliable connectivity that keeps them productive and connected throughout their flight," said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president of Customer Support at Textron Aviation. "The Cessna Citation Longitude already delivers an exceptional experience with its quiet cabin, extended range, and advanced avionics. Adding Starlink elevates that experience even further, helping customers stay focused on their mission without compromising on connectivity."
Customers can schedule the upgrade at Textron Aviation Service Centers across North America and select international locations. AeroMech’s STC employs the Starlink Aviation Kit, which includes an Aero Terminal (antenna), Power Supply Unit (PSU), and one Wireless Access Point (WAP).