High-speed internet takes flight on ATR aircraft

ATR continues to elevate the standards of regional air travel by introducing Starlink high-speed internet connectivity onboard its aircraft. After successful test flights carried out on ATR 72-600 test aircraft in the past months, the solution has been certified by EASA. Long-standing partner Air New Zealand is poised to be the launch customer, bringing internet to its domestic flights from 2025. 

Under the agreement, PMV Engineering has developed the necessary modifications for the certification of the Starlink aeroterminal on ATR aircraft, which is now available as a retrofit option on ATR 72-500 and –600 for all ATR operators through a Supplemental Type Certificate. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low-Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. By adopting this game-changing technology, ATR operators worldwide will be able to provide their passengers with internet services that reflect their home experience.  

Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand, commented: “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. Whether travelling for work or leisure, we know maintaining seamless internet connectivity is something that will transform the travel experience for customers. We can’t wait to bring connectivity to our domestic flights. Collaborating with ATR and the PMV Engineering team has been fantastic, and their expertise has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.” 

Eric Sperazza, Chief Executive Officer at PMV Engineering, said: “We’re honoured to be the providers of such a revolutionary technology onboard ATR aircraft, sharing our expertise and solution-led approach to open up new opportunities for ATR, its customers and their passengers.    

Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice-President Engineering at ATR, stated: “Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience in the regional market. This achievement demonstrates our dedication to staying ahead of the curve, responding to the latest travel trends in line with our customers’ expectations, and collaborating with industry-leading partners who share a vision of excellence and innovation to transform the way people experience air travel.” 

In addition to passenger benefits, this system will also allow pilots to connect to aviation weather services, enhancing flight safety through more informed decision-making. Moreover, the compact size of the antenna makes it perfectly suited to the ATR platform in terms of aerodynamics. 

With a fully connected cabin that can already integrate USB sockets in all seats, In-Flight Entertainment systems, high-speed internet, and a whole range of high-end cabin solutions (the ATR HighLine collection), ATR expects strong interest from airlines worldwide, including in markets such as Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the United States, where demand for in-flight connectivity is growing rapidly.