Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and services business jet aircraft.

Matt Thurber

The FAA has approved Gulfstream Aerospace’s supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of a SpaceX Starlink satcom system on the G650/650ER. This STC expands the options for G650/650ER owners and enables installation of a Starlink system by Gulfstream service centers. Before this STC, the only available option was installation by a Starlink dealer using the Nextant Aerospace G650 STC that was issued in August 2023.
Starlink's electronically steered antenna mounts on top of the G650/650ER fuselage above the emergency exit windows over the wing. The antenna weighs about 48 pounds and measures 39 inches long and 31 inches wide. At the centerline of the fuselage, the antenna is about 1.3 inches tall and, at the antenna sides, is about three inches.
Retail price of a Starlink system is $150,000 and that includes the antenna, power supply unit, two wireless access points, and wiring harness. Service prices range from $2,000 per month for 20 GB (plus $100 per GB additional) to $10,000 per month for unlimited. Coverage via Starlink’s low-earth-orbit network is worldwide, and download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps.
Gulfstream is developing Starlink STCs for other models, including the G800, G700, G600, G500, G400, G280, GIV, GIV-X/G450, GV, and GV-SP/G550.
“Starlink is an offering that we know is important to operators,” said Derek Zimmerman, president of Gulfstream customer support. “Our team has invested extensive time and resources preparing for this certification, and we are well-positioned across our service network to provide a seamless installation. Having the capability to install this connectivity upgrade at our own facilities, in the hands of our trusted team of experts, is part of our ongoing commitment to our customers.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

 Gulfstream Is the First Aircraft OEM To Receive a Starlink STC

Approval adds option for service center installations

The Starlink electronically steered antenna mounts on top of the G650 fuselage above the emergency exit windows over the wing. 

Gulfstream First OEM To Receive Starlink STC

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Airplane Manager syncs with Nimbl for better flight ops

Nimbl Integrates with Airplane Manager To Boost Efficiency

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Gulfstream G650/G650ER

Gulfstream

SpaceX

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Nimbl Integrates with Airplane Manager To Boost Efficiency

Airplane Manager syncs with Nimbl for better flight ops

West Star Developing Three Embraer Gogo Galileo STCs

Approval for these aircraft is expected in early 2025

Austrian company F/List Is Using New Materials for Greener Cabin Interiors

Going back to natural materials can have advantages in sustainability.

Stack Aero Integrates Tuvoli’s FlyEasy

Platform generates more than 200,000 charter requests

Gogo HDX Satcom Antenna Passes DO-160 Testing

System is on track for launch of service later this year

Gogo Galileo Signs Wheels Up and Textron Aviation

LEO satcom is expected to begin service by the end of the year

Heico Expands Bizjet Foothold with Mid Continent Controls Buy

Mid Continent leaders will retain a 12% stake in company

Rotortech and West Star Aviation Upgrade Audio Systems

Both companies installed PS Engineering’s PAC45 digital audio systems in two separate aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN