Aircraft operated by airBaltic have already been fitted with the Starlink internet system.
In the Skies Above Riga:
The Latvian national airline, airBaltic, has taken a giant leap forward with ten planes outfitted with SpaceX's Starlink high-speed internet connectivity system. Pauls Calitis, the acting CEO and COO, spilled the beans on this exciting development during a media call about the airline's first quarter financial results.
The airline is keen on getting all aircraft equipped ASAP, but the summer season is all about getting those birds in the air. You see, installing Starlink requires the planes to spend a few days grounded, so they'll be looking for the perfect window of opportunity when the aircraft are available.
"Our ultimate aim is to arm every plane and weave them into the airBaltic network," Calitis said, emphasizing the importance of the project.
The rollout has faced some hurdles, including a delayed certification of the system and the need to adapt certain parts due to new technologies. Apparently, the many moving parts involved in integrating innovative tech with flying machines can get a tad tricky.
As of February 2025, the 50th Airbus A220-300 has graced the airBaltic fleet, and the next one's on deck for the end of this year. LETA reports that back in February, airBaltic started introducing Starlink's high-speed internet on its aircraft.
In less cheerful news, airBaltic Group posted an audited loss of EUR 118.159 million for 2024, compared to a profit of EUR 747.572 million the year before. However, revenue climbed by 11.9 percent year-on-year to EUR 747.572 million.
On a brighter note, the Transport Ministry, airBaltic, and Lufthansa Group reached an agreement. Lufthansa Group will invest EUR 14 million in airBaltic for a minority stake and a Supervisory Board seat. In return for their investment, they'll receive a convertible share granting a 10 percent stake, which will be converted into ordinary shares upon a potential IPO of airBaltic.
With Starlink, passengers can enjoy blazingly fast and reliable internet access during their flights. But don't forget, even high-flying technology can come with some challenges—from integrating systems with existing aircraft systems and complying with regulatory requirements to allocating resources wisely. But given the swift nature of Starlink's deployment, the company has managed to efficiently roll out its service across various airlines.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spacexs-starlink-internet-helps-airbaltic-passengers-stream-next-episode-2021-05-19/[2] https://www.telecoms.com/630956/airbaltic-selects-starlink-for-in-flight-wi-fi/
- The business strategy of airBaltic includes weaving every plane into the airBaltic network with the integration of SpaceX's Starlink high-speed internet connectivity system, aiming to provide passengers with blazingly fast and reliable internet access during their flights.
- The rollout of Starlink technology on airBaltic aircraft faces challenges, such as integrating the system with existing aircraft systems, complying with regulatory requirements, and allocating resources wisely, but the company has managed to efficiently roll out its service across various airlines, showcasing the power of modern science and technology in the business of space-and-astronomy and transport.
