Starlink Takes Flight on airBaltic

For Euro Flight Test's inaugural flight test assignment of 2025, I was part of the flight test crew for a transformative project: integrating Starlink on an airBaltic A220. This marks the first time Starlink has been installed on a European-registered aircraft, with Air Baltic set to offer high-speed internet to passengers.

Type Specific Training

Our preparation at Riga airport began with comprehensive training. Alongside mandatory fire, smoke and cabin safety training for all flight crew, we underwent specialized instruction on the A220's systems. To ensure readiness for the unique challenges ahead, we also completed a familiarization session in the flight simulator, culminating in a full run-through of our test cards .

EASA Large Antenna Installation

The objective of the flight test program was to demonstrate compliance for an EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a "large antenna installation" on the Airbus A220. This certification required rigorous testing to assess whether the installation impacted the aircraft's performance, specifically concerning vibration and buffeting, as outlined in EASA's CS 25.251.

Both the A220 and the Starlink system exceeded expectations. Despite encountering brief GPS spoofing & jamming—a known issue in the Baltic region—Starlink's high-speed internet operated flawlessly.

For good fun, I was able to upload files and photos to Air Baltic's marketing team in between test points during the flight. Even at an altitude of FL410 and MMO, the connectivity was seamless.

A New Era of In-Flight Connectivity

This project represents a significant achievement, being the first Supplemental Type Certificate for Starlink integration on a European aircraft. It's an exciting step forward for passenger experiences in European aviation.

Participating in this effort has been a privilege, and I'm thrilled to see the benefits of high-speed in-flight internet becoming a reality for Air Baltic passengers.