Air New Zealand is set to transform its domestic flight experience by becoming the first airline to implement Starlink’s satellite internet technology on ATR aircraft, following recent European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.
The certification, granted for ATR 72 aircraft, comes after extensive testing on ATR’s 72-600 test aircraft. The modification, developed by PMV Engineering, will be available as a retrofit option for ATR 72-500 and -600 operators through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
“Whether travelling for work or leisure, we know maintaining seamless internet connectivity is something that will transform the travel experience for customers,” said Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer at Air New Zealand. “We can’t wait to bring connectivity to our domestic flights.”
The implementation of Starlink, SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, promises to deliver internet capabilities comparable to home broadband, supporting streaming, video calls, and online gaming. Beyond passenger comfort, the system will enhance flight safety by providing pilots with improved access to aviation weather services.
Daniel Cuchet, Senior Vice-President Engineering at ATR, emphasized the significance of this development: “Starlink opens up a new era for ATR, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and passenger experience in the regional market.”
The certification represents a welcome advancement for regional aviation, where in-flight connectivity has traditionally lagged behind larger commercial aircraft. ATR expects strong interest from airlines across Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the United States, where demand for in-flight connectivity continues to grow.
The system’s compact antenna design is specifically optimized for the ATR platform’s aerodynamics, complementing existing cabin amenities such as USB sockets and In-Flight Entertainment systems. This integration aligns with ATR’s HighLine collection of premium cabin solutions.
Implementation is scheduled to begin on Air New Zealand’s domestic fleet in 2025. The airline, recently named 2025 World’s Safest Airline by AirlineRatings.com, operates a modern fleet including ATR aircraft serving New Zealand’s domestic network.
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